The center also creates various products using the natural honey, jelly, petroleum and wax that comes from the hives to create a variety of creams, chapsticks and perfumes. The honey collected from the hives goes a long way and has many antibacterial and moisturizing benefits. All products are available for purchase at the Benjamín Núñez Center, Universidad Nacional and the local markets surrounding my host town, Heredia.
Having these experiences and opportunities with CINAT has changed my focus as an Environmental Studies student. Prior to my internship, I knew very little about apiculture. The animal husbandry, economic, chemistry, behavioral, education and conservation focuses are all perspectives within the field of apiculture that I had the opportunity to learn about first hand. Upon returning back to my host university ,Washington & Jefferson College, I plan to continue on with this research and newfound hobby by starting an apiculture club on campus. After graduation, I would like to return to the Center of Tropical Apiculture Studies in order to complete a Master's program here like many of the students that are changing the way people view bees and conservation. Most importantly, this opportunity would not have been possible without my mentors from CINAT and the USAC program in Heredia. Thank you for bee – lieving in me and helping me to understand what my future holds!
