Sophia Bustillos: Buzzworthy Impact
This student’s dedication to revitalizing the College’s beehive reflects her passion for environmental science and sustainability.
By Sterling Giles
At Richard Bland College (RBC), second-year student Sophia Bustillos found an unlikely calling—one that hummed with purpose. Through academic exploration and mentorship, she was inspired to serve as the campus beekeeper.
The Fort Worth, Texas native learned the fundamentals of beekeeping from a family friend. She learned how to manage hives year-round, which she carried over to the College’s hive, located next to the McNeer Hall parking lot.
Dr. Eric Miller, RBC Associate Professor of Biology, gave Bustillos the runway to maintain the hive as she saw fit.
“She’s doing everything with the bees that I didn’t know how to do,” Dr. Miller chuckled.
With time, Bustillos revitalized the hive and is currently doing routine maintenance.
“Bees are kind of like cats,” Bustillos added. “They require attentiveness, but not constant interference.”
On a weekly basis, Bustillos ensures the queen is laying eggs, food reserves are stable and pests are under control. Outside of her care, the bees essentially manage themselves. She’s fascinated by the hive’s structure, which is predicated on teamwork.
“It’s fascinating observing them from a sociology perspective,” Bustillos said. “The survival of the entire hive depends on the health of the queen.”
Outside of beekeeping, Bustillos is a student in the Honors College, through which she received a scholarship to offset some of her academic expenses. This fall, she plans to attend William & Mary to study environmental science.
