Class of 2017

Biology major

Environmental Science minor

Experiential learning provided me with an opportunity to apply concepts that I was exposed to in the classroom to a real-world setting. Applying newly learned skills resulted in the mastery of concepts covered during lessons. The knowledge that I gained in my upper level biology courses, including Ecology, Evolution, Aquatic Ecology, and Biometrics, applied directly to my undergraduate research in Hoellein Lab and volunteering at the Field Museum. Thus ensuring a holistic understanding of the concepts covered in class.

Partaking in undergraduate research requires discipline, application- and concept-based learning, and patience. I experienced exceptional progress in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing throughout my career as an undergraduate researcher. Research is a drawn out process that takes months to see results, and does not always end with expected conclusions. In a research setting, ethical development is reliant upon one's particular project. The ethics that I developed during my work in an aquatic ecology lab are somewhat different from those that a student in a cell biology or genetic lab would hone. With the help of my advisor, I learned to compartmentalize parts of my project that some may see as unethical (e.g., sacrificing fish via anesthetic overdose to quantify microplastic concentrations). Actions during data collection do not necessarily correlate to my ethical views. While the basic knowledge, attitudes, values, and ethics may have already existed prior to starting my research projects, participating in the experiential learning process allowed me to hone these parts of my academic profile.

My experiential learning class (BIOL 396) directly influenced my career choice and professional development. The research I conducted with Dr. Hoellein inspired me to attend graduate school. I am starting my MS degree at Loyola University Chicago in Fall 2017. My research will focus on the impacts on anthropogenic pollution in urban freshwaters. In the future, I hope to pursue my PhD in aquatic ecology and work in the academic field.