An (eco) education

 

I'm interested in lots of things and am not yet sure what I want to do with my life. Given all the possible majors, why did you choose to pursue an Ecology, Evolution and Behavior major?

I chose to pursue Ecology, Evolution and Behavior (EEB) as a major because it gave me the opportunity to explore my passions. I have always been passionate about environmental issues and EEB gave me the opportunity to study the real science behind the issues. EEB has given me the chance to study abroad at three different locations and learn a lot about how science works on a global scale.

I keep hearing about the importance of students doing research. Did you find it worth doing?

My research experience was some of the best experience I had in my undergraduate years. Research gives you the chance to see how science gets from the field to the textbook. It allows you to understand how we gain knowledge about the world around us and gives you an appreciation for the years and years of work that go into all the knowledge that we learn in the classroom. 

Did you study abroad and, if so, what did you get out of the experience?   

I choose to study abroad on three separate occasions. I believe study abroad is something that every student should try their best to participate in because it gives you a global perspective not only on science, but on life. I believe it is important to stretch our understanding of our own culture and one of the best ways to do that is to immerse ourselves in other cultures.

Once you graduate with an Ecology, Evolution and Behavior major, what are you going to do with your degree?

After I graduate with my degree in EEB, I will be pursuing a Masters Degree in Water Resource Sciences. After that I plan to pursue a PhD so that I can go on to teach at the college level. 

I understand that the department has professors who are leaders in their fields. But as a college student, would I actually get to interact with them?

Absolutely. One of the best relationships I have been able to form in my college years is with a professor who advised me in my research. The professors in the EEB department are completely open to developing strong relationships with their students and if you are willing to put forth a little effort then you can get to know the professors as well as you want to.