While most teenagers spend their extra time browsing social media sites and playing video games, Sheridan Miller uses hers spreading awareness and raising funds to support a cause very dear to her heart—saving the honey bee. The 16 years old Mill Valley, California native began her fundraising efforts six years ago at the age of ten, and has recently chosen WSU as a recipient of her generosity.

Sheridan Miller, a California high school student with WSU bee researcher Sue Cobey. Photo courtesy of Sheridan Miller.
Sheridan Miller, a California high school student with WSU bee researcher Sue Cobey. Photo courtesy of Sheridan Miller.

Sheridan was connected to WSU through Sue Cobey, a WSU bee breeder-geneticist who was a featured speaker at an event hosted by Sheridan for local honey bee enthusiast and concerned citizens. After their first meeting, Sheridan kept in touch with Sue, writing and asking questions. When Sue left UC Davis to work for WSU, Sheridan’s interests and donations followed.

Sheridan’s donations, along with other funding, support Sue, who is working with Steve Sheppard, chair of the WSU Department of Entomology, to establish the first genetic repository of honey bee semen in the world. The project’s goal is to preserve and increase genetic diversity known to increase honey bee fitness and the ability to better cope with environmental challenges.

Read more about Sheridan Miller’s support for WSU here: http://news.cahnrs.wsu.edu/2013/11/20/wsus-on-solid-ground-warm-fuzzy-guava-cider/.