It takes time. When beginning my research, I severely underestimated how much time I would have to pour in to complete my work. I mistakenly believed research would fit neatly into my time estimates — rather, my initial experiment procedure did not work and I had to change directions entirely, pivoting to a different method that quickly consumed late nights and early mornings. I would say to expect that when going into research or activism, you will always underestimate how much time you need. Making change is a long process!
As part of my series about young people who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Rory Hu.
Rory Hu, a Class of 2028 Caroline D. Bradley Scholar and a 2023 winner of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, conducted a groundbreaking research project on honey bees that improved learning and memory after deadly pesticide exposure. A TIME For Kids kid journalist and Emmy-nominated Nickelodeon Nick News reporter, Rory enjoys public speaking and writing, harboring passions in speech and debate and student leadership — she currently serves on the Cupertino Teen Commission. She seeks to make change through her scientific research and using her voice in activism, such as her nonprofit the Bee Initiative.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
If Silicon Valley is the heart of technology, then Cupertino is the aorta: it’s home to Apple, one of the largest tech companies in the country. Growing up in Cupertino, almost all of my friends’, classmates’, or neighbors’ parents worked in big tech, whether it be Apple, Google, Facebook, Nvidia — you name it, someone I knew had parents employed there. From a very young age, I was immersed in a scientific environment. In fact, there were science fairs even at my elementary school! Being plopped in the middle of a thriving STEM community certainly influenced my curiosity and desire to explore science. In sixth grade, I decided to pursue a research project on honey bees and how tea polyphenols and caffeine, compounds found in tea and coffee, could improve their learning and memory after exposure to harmful miticides. While the project eventually won a top award at the national level, it was fueled by the environment I’d grown up in: one surrounded by cutting-edge innovation.
But although the offices were full of technology, my house was full of books. I learned to read at a very early age, often curling up with my parents next to our bookshelves to dive into the next fascinating world that a book provided for me. Reading in turn cultivated a passion for writing as I tried to replicate tales with my own wild imaginings. I began avidly penning short stories, poetry, and the occasional novel idea, relishing the chance to bring the visions inside my head to life. In fifth grade, I discovered another aspect of writing after winning TIME For Kids’ reporting competition: the world of news. Journalism speaks to me because it provides the space to express my opinions in words while seeking something that science is based in: truth. After all, both science and journalism are fueled by a desire to uncover information. To reveal veracity. To expand humanity’s understanding of our world.
Is there a particular book or organization that made a significant impact on you growing up? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
The book Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus taught me about the world of STEM academia. I enjoyed Garmus’ novel for its balance of witty humor, impactful sadness, and a feminist perspective. While it helped foster a long-lasting passion for scientific research, the book opened my eyes to sexism in STEM’s ugly history and how it remains pervasive even today. I, once the only girl in a 20-person advanced math class, can attest. Throughout the novel, I was rooting for Elizabeth Zott, the achingly smart yet discredited protagonist. Reading this book inspired me to take action against discrimination in STEM. For example, I filmed an empowering video for Barbie’s You Can Be Anything initiative.
How do you define “Making A Difference”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
I would define making a difference as having an impact, big or small, on the world, in any way you can. While change can be hard, and making change often requires personal sacrifice, I believe that making a difference can benefit you as well as the people you seek to help. Everyone can make a difference in the world — it’s as simple as waking up and choosing to change one thing about yourself. One thing that will make someone else’s life a little better.
Ok super. Let’s now jump to the main part of our interview. You are currently leading an organization that aims to make a social impact. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
I lead the Bee Initiative, an organization aiming to educate youth and raise awareness surrounding bees. Honey bees are an essential part of the ecosystem, accounting for one-third of food production and billions of dollars in the global economy. However, there has been a severe decline in the honey bee population. In fact, the global population has declined 40.7% since 2018. This is partly due to a loss of learning and memory skills in the honey bee, caused by harmful pesticides intended to kill bee parasites. In order to address this problem, I designed a research project to test whether compounds found in tea and coffee could counter the pesticides’ effects.
After my research, a newfound passion for bees propelled my work in activism, and I soon realized that my work was enriched by connecting with like-minded people and organizations. I was initially doubted because of my age when founding the Bee Initiative, but earned the respect of my fellow members through my dedication and commitment. As the current vice president and soon to be president next year, I often assist and lead the planning of events. The Bee Initiative’s latest project in activism involves changing restrictive bee ordinances across California — in Campbell, where the Bee Initiative is headquartered, only 2 properties in the entire city can legally keep bees. With an emphasis on collaboration, I, a Cupertino Teen Commissioner, have been working with Campbell Teen Commissioners to bring the issue to the city council. I’ve also written letters to council members — in campaigning at the legislative level, the nearly 50,000 residents of Campbell can feel the impact of my work.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
Honey on toast has always been my favorite breakfast. When I found out about the large decline of the honey bee population, I was curious to learn more. I discovered that the issue was way more severe than just losing my breakfast — without honey bees, the ecosystem would collapse. Deeply concerned, I did some research and found out that a group of pesticides designed to kill the bee parasite known as the Varroa mite are a major culprit of the population decline. These pesticides can negatively influence a bee’s learning and memory skills, affecting their ability to find food and return to the hive. However, a study last year showed that tea polyphenols and caffeine could actually enhance honey bee olfactory learning and memory. I realized that this was an interesting topic for a research project — testing whether tea polyphenols and caffeine could repair rather than simply enhance learning and memory after exposure to pesticides, as well as seeing if the two could work in a visual instead of olfactory setting. I found what previous studies had not covered and used that to construct my own research, hoping to help save the honey bee population, the ecosystem, and my breakfast!
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. We don’t always get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
For me, the “Aha Moment” is something I have time and time again. Every time I undertake a new project, such as expanding my bee research or participating in a Bee Initiative event, I often have to take an initial “leap of faith” before realizing that I can be the one making a difference. For example, I organized an event late last year where the Bee Initiative handed out awareness flyers to passersby at a farmer’s market. When the day came, we all stood awkwardly out in the cold, flyers flapping in the wind as person after person walked by. Finally, I steeled myself and held out a paper to a passing group, forcing a loud voice as I talked about restrictive bee ordinances in Campbell. While I was initially nervous to hand out flyers, I soon fell into a comfortable pattern of passing out papers and giving speeches. The “Aha Moment” isn’t one and done–again and again, I gain confidence each time I participate in a Bee Initiative event.
Many young people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. But you did. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
I faced several challenges getting my research off the ground. First of all, even finding a beekeeper to support me was not as easy as I expected. I contacted several local beekeepers, but no arrangement worked out. I eventually took action by posting a call for help on the Santa Clara Valley Beekeepers Guild website before I was able to find a beekeeper that would lend me their bees. After my research, I worked with this beekeeper on the Bee Initiative — it was surprisingly easier than expected to get the organization off the ground, and our nonprofit is slowly growing in size as we do more and more events.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
I faced several challenges getting my research off the ground. First of all, even finding a beekeeper to support me was not as easy as I expected. I contacted several local beekeepers, but no arrangement worked out. I eventually took action by posting a call for help on the Santa Clara Valley Beekeepers Guild website before I was able to find a beekeeper that would lend me their bees. After my research, I worked with this beekeeper on the Bee Initiative — it was surprisingly easier than expected to get the organization off the ground, and our nonprofit is slowly growing in size as we do more and more events.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson or take away you learned from that?
My first — and funniest — mistake in starting my work was believing that I could get over my fear of bees. After being stung in second grade, I had long-lasting memories of a sharp jab and a swelling blister. Yet as I set up my research and took the bees home for the first time, I was excited to begin my work and convinced myself that everything would turn out okay.
I’d be fine…right?
When I saw the bees buzzing inches from my face, I knew I was not fine. I was walking into a very hands-on project about bees with zero beekeeping experience.
But the beekeeper quickly showed me that my fears were unfounded. Wearing protective suits, we trudged confidently into the swarm’s midst as he proved that they would only attack when provoked. He even demonstrated a couple handy tricks to subdue the bees, such as that water mist could temporarily immobilize their wings.
Through this initial encounter, I learned that I should not underestimate my deep-seated fears — yet with a caring mentor and proper training, they can be overcome.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
The beekeeper who helped me with my research was invaluable in teaching me nearly everything I know about bees. Besides just giving me access to his hives, he showed me how to handle the honey bees. He taught me how to spray water mist on the bees in order to immobilize their wings and scoop them into ventilated containers which I took home. Additionally, my peers in the Bee Initiative constantly inspire me to keep going with activism. Many of my ideas would not have succeeded without my fellow team members. Even though I am the vice president of our organization, I still rely on the other members to assist me with projects. Whenever I am nervous about an event, they are always there to support me, jumping in with a clever answer to a question that stumped me or proposing creative solutions to the problems we face.
Without saying specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
Someone at my school was looking to do a research project, and I helped advise them on how to conduct and present their work. I was able to foster that student’s passion for bees and guide them in an innovative and useful experiment. That person is now part of the Bee Initiative and actively participates in events. The Bee Initiative was able to give that person beekeeping tips, and they now contribute to brainstorming, presentations, outreach, and more.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
I believe that the honey bee population decline, and specifically restrictive beekeeping ordinances, can be tackled through three levels of community:
- Local — local communities can support local apiaries and sell honey at farmers’ markets or local farms.
- Legislative — politicians worldwide can pass more legislation protecting bees, and California city councils specifically can remove restrictive beekeeping ordinances that curtail local beekeeping.
- Global — everyone can take up beekeeping, or simply learn not to fear bees and remember that they are essential to our survival on this planet.
Fantastic. Here is the main question of the interview. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? (Please share a story or example for each).
- Be bold. When I was 10 years old, about to begin my career in reporting, I aimed high for my first interview: Tim Cook. I hesitated to press “send” on my email requesting an interview. Why would the CEO of Apple be interested in talking to some unknown elementary school kid? Yet I decided to be bold and send the email, a choice that would transform my life and kick-start my reporting career. Even though it’s not something that happened during my bee work, it’s still a scenario that taught me to be bold and imparted me with a valuable experience that I remember when organizing Bee Initiative events today.
- Back up “bold” with research. Of course, beyond the original email, you have to work for the opportunity — there is luck involved, but most of it is down to preparation. Part of the reason I clinched the Tim Cook interview was because his PR was impressed by the amount of background research and thoughtful questions I’d compiled. I would say that taking the first leap is the most important step, but you’ll quickly fall without a parachute of preparation to bring you down safely.
- It takes time. When beginning my research, I severely underestimated how much time I would have to pour in to complete my work. I mistakenly believed research would fit neatly into my time estimates — rather, my initial experiment procedure did not work and I had to change directions entirely, pivoting to a different method that quickly consumed late nights and early mornings. I would say to expect that when going into research or activism, you will always underestimate how much time you need. Making change is a long process!
- It gets easier. Although some of my previous advice may border on pessimistic, I can assure you that the process certainly gets easier. Whether it be getting used to handing out flyers after talking to that first person, or growing more at ease with sending professional emails each time you receive a reply, your work may seem daunting at first but will, with tenacity and dedication, soon begin to fall into place.
- You’re sowing seeds you’ll reap in the future. When things reach a standstill and you can’t seem to see the light at the end of the tunnel, just remember that the work you’re doing today will bring the rewards of tomorrow. For me, it was continuing my research to a successful conclusion that enabled me to help beekeepers across the country. I’m now heading into another “tunnel”: attempting to change bee ordinances has not been an easy task. However, I continue with the confidence that I have the skills to see myself through to a brighter future. If you continue with your work, you will too.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
I would tell them that as the next generation, we have the responsibility to be the caretakers of a rapidly warming planet. It is now in our hands to preserve our planet, and even taking the smallest of actions can go a long way in ensuring that future generations…have a future to live in.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to sit down and talk with one of my idols: Anderson Cooper, the famed 60 Minutes and CNN reporter. I am inspired by his reporting, and, as a kid journalist myself with Nickelodeon’s Nick News, would be interested in exploring the different perspectives that youth and adult journalism can offer the world. Over breakfast or lunch, I would be able to glean valuable advice from him that I could carry with me to my next interviews and beyond.
How can our readers follow you online?
My personal website: roryhu.com
My X (Twitter): @RoryHu2044
The Bee Initiative website: https://thebeeinitiative.wordpress.com/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Young Change Makers: Why and How Rory Hu Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.