- Area of Study Ecology & Conservation Biology
Where are you from?
I’m from Seattle, Washington.
What is your major and how did you choose it?
I’m an Ecology & Conservation Biology major. I always knew I wanted to study Conservation Biology, and Boston University is one of the very few schools in the US that offers Conservation Biology as a major! I am very passionate about sustainability and climate change research, especially regarding the effect of climate change on living species. Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to help protect animals and give back to the Earth, so BU’s ECB major has been perfect for me.
What is your favorite Biology course and why?
My favorite Biology course so far has been Marine Biology with Professor Randi Rotjan! I learned so much about marine science and the course really solidified my passion for conservation and inspired me to pursue a minor in Marine Science.
What extra-curricular activities are you involved in?
I am a team captain on Boston University’s DI Women’s Lightweight Rowing team. I am also a member of Epsilon Eta, Boston University’s environmental professional fraternity, and am a volunteer for the New England Aquarium.
What kind of research do you do?
I am currently an undergraduate research assistant for the Kaufman Marine Biology Lab at Boston University. I’m currently working on a project analyzing massive coral and boring sponge growth in the Belize Barrier Reef.
What is your favorite BU memory?
One of my favorite memories at BU is my time studying abroad in Athens, Greece during the summer of 2019. I took four semesters of Modern Greek at Boston University as my foreign language, so I had an amazing time practicing my Greek skills and traveling all over Greece with a small group of BU students and professors.
Best place on campus to study or relax?
My favorite place to study and hangout on campus is definitely Pavement Coffee in central campus. You’re most likely to find me studying there between classes and on the weekends!
What’s one BU tip you wish you knew sooner?
I wish I had started taking advantage of professors’ office hours sooner! Especially in large introductory courses, it’s easy to fall behind when you don’t have one-on-one interactions with your professors. I didn’t go to office hours at all my freshman year because I was too shy, and I wish that I had!
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I hope to continue my studies of marine conservation in graduate school and pursue a career in research.