The Sustainability Mindset

Transcript

Let’s dive into Lauren’s story. Lauren came to the U of I from Seattle about five hours away from Moscow, and she’s a senior studying ecology and conservation biology. She’ll share her passion for the environment, and how the U of I has supported her in her goal of becoming a marine biologist. Lauren, you are up.

– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. Growing up, I always had a passion for the ocean. I would spend hours each day looking at the marine organisms and the tidal pools just blocks away from my house. My passion for the environment is what led me to study ecology and conservation biology at the University of Idaho. My college has an amazing amount of research and internship opportunities, from the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program, to forestry research done right on our experimental forest. I’ve had the opportunity to attend courses at the McCall Field campus, and now I’m working with professors to develop my own senior thesis project. The experiences at Idaho are endless, and I’ll achieve my dream of becoming a marine biologist because of the many internship opportunities my professors have helped me find. I’ve been able to work on a land asking sea turtle project in Hawaii, as well as intern at Cascadia Research Collective where I helped with their photo identification project of Hawaiian dolphins, conducted surveys on harbor seals, and responded to stranded animals. There are lots of opportunities for students to get outside and study the environment. The Taylor Wilderness Research Station where semester in the wild is taught is in the middle of America’s largest wilderness. The experimental forest is our working forest close to campus. These two classrooms are places where students and faculty can conduct original research in settings unlike any other. When I first started college, I never imagined having all of the opportunities to learn and engage with faculty and staff on campus. As I approach graduation and reflect on my experiences at the University of Idaho, I can honestly say that I’ve gained the knowledge and experiences applicable to my field. Thanks for listening. Back to you, Alex.

– Lauren, thank you for sharing the outdoor classroom. Sounds like amazing places to learn about the environment, conduct research and experience conservation in action. No matter where you go next, we know you’ll do well. Take care.