Super suits and mentors: Dr. Pierson's beekeeping beginnings

The first time Dr. Pieson encountered a honeybee hive, she had never experienced anything like it — and she was terrified of bugs! At the request of her mentor, Mr. Willhaus, she assisted with his harvest and donned her “super suit.” During the harvest, she says that rather than being afraid, she felt invogorated and excited and that she was doing something to be useful. Mr. Willhaus, who has been a beekeeper for over 55 years, is a guide in Dr. Pierson’s bee journey, assisting with advice and some extra help working in the bee yard.