September 15, 2026
New Creative Work Explores Honey Bee Health
Penn State student Autumn D. Mitchell’s new illustrated book, Destructor, tells the story of a struggling honey bee colony through the eyes of two worker bees. Blending creative writing with pollinator science, the engaging dual narrative explores the effects of Varroa mites, pesticides, extreme weather, and limited forage—and concludes with practical ways readers can help pollinators.
Mitchell developed Destructor with support from an Apes Valentes Student Award, which funds student-led summer projects connecting pollinator biology and health with the arts and humanities.