This morning, Rahul Franklin assembled his thesis committee to defend his PhD research work in a presentation titled "Four-Dimensional Characterization of the Construction and Mechanical Behavior of the Apis mellifera Honeycomb." Over 45 minutes, this presentation detailed revolutionary insights into the process honeybees use to construct their unique homes and identified key structures that enhance mechanical robustness. After a question and answer period with his committee, Franklin passed the exam, clearing the major hurdle to earning his degree.