The State of Bee-ing

A conversation with Lauren Petronella, future entomology major and lover of all things bees.

For many, the sight of a buzzing insect might prompt a quick step back. But for Lauren Petronella, the insect world has held a lifelong fascination. In fact, her award-winning essay titled, “The importance of beekeeping in youth” says it all.

We had a chance to speak with Petronella on her love of bees, Ohio 4-H youth development, the importance of mentorship and her plans this fall as she kicks off her freshman year at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) as an entomology major.

Q: Tell us how you first got interested in bees and beekeeping at 12 years old, which is an admittedly unusual hobby for a tween.

I’m from Clyde, a small, rural town in northern Ohio. Being surrounded by nature really instilled in me a fascination with insects and other creepy crawlies. When I turned 12, I found out 4-H offered entomology projects, so I joined a local club right away.  

Q: What was it like competing in the national beekeeping essay competition, and what motivated you to write about honeybees?

In my essay, I really wanted to emphasize the impact of 4-H’s youth career readiness, so I provided examples of young beekeepers and scientists, and why it’s important they share their stories to inspire other young beekeepers, such as myself.

Q: How has 4-H influenced your interests or your skills?

During my first year in 4-H, I was able to compete at the Ohio State Fair with my insect collection project. While I was at the fair, I stumbled upon a community outreach event full of beekeepers, and after talking with them and reading the educational displays, I really started to get curious about the field of apiculture. I eventually enrolled in a 4-H beekeeping project, and through that, I met Tom Rathbun, who became my mentor and helped me get through the very big learning curve in beekeeping.

Before 4-H, I used to be very shy, and I feel like 4-H was perfect for me because it pushed me out of my comfort zone. I used to be terrified of public speaking, but through 4-H, I’ve learned to embrace and enjoy those things, and it’s immensely benefited my confidence.

Q: What’s one misconception about bees that you’d like to correct for the public?

Bees aren’t out to get you. They’re more concerned with collecting nectar to bring back to their hive. Usually, swarms are fairly docile because they don’t have an established colony to defend; they’re just focused on gathering resources to build and maintain a hive.

Q: You’ve chosen to study entomology at Ohio State this fall. What specifically drew you to CFAES?

I chose CFAES mainly because of their community outreach initiatives. I visited Ohio State ATI on the CFAES Wooster campus when I was 12 years old, and their program manager and museum curator, Jenny Filbrun, showed me around the facility. That moment made me realize I could pursue a career studying insects.

Q: What are you most looking forward to at Ohio State? Are there any specific clubs or experiences you hope to engage in?

I’m really excited about joining student organizations, such as collegiate 4-H and the undergraduate entomology club. It’s going to be a good sense of belonging for me, especially because CFAES is the only college in the state that offers an entomology major.

We’re sure you’re going to do great things here, Lauren. Good luck this year!