Reflection of my Past and Present

As a child, I spent most of my time outdoors on the four acres of land I grew up on. I was always finding native reptiles and amphibians: primarily the Eastern Box turtle, Common Garter Snake, and Fowler's Toad. I was captivated with observing and examining their behavior before releasing them back into their habitat. It wasn't until later in my life when I realized it was from this early age I became aware of the biodiversity that surrounded me. 

I realize I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to pursue an education in Environmental Studies.  Looking back, two classes at Stockton really stick out to me in particular: Sue Canale's Wildlife Management course and Michael Geller's Ecological Principles field lab.  It wasn't until the second to last semester of my college career did I take each of these courses and I sorely regret having waited that long.  Professor Canale's class was only introductory but it painted a very clear picture of what types of challenges biologists and Wildlife managers face day to day.  I very much enjoyed Professor Geller's class as well.  Using his dichotomous "Key to the Woody Plants of the New Jersey Pine Barrens," I learned how to identify native vegetation while committing those species to memory, as well as utilizing different sampling methodologies across campus and in the Pygmy Pine Forest.    

I am interested in working hands on with animals for the purpose of conservation biology and wildlife rehabilitation.  Many organisms are being threatened on a global scale as population sizes dwindle below sustainable numbers and habitats are devastated due to anthropogenic forces.  We in the Environmental Studies field are in a unique position to buck this trend and restore these species back to their ecosystems.  I strongly believe biodiversity is paramount to the health and balance of our earth; the practice of preservation and conservation are the ways we will achieve that balance.

I spent many semesters unsure of the road I would follow after graduation.  As I prepare to leave Stockton, I want to combine my love for wildlife and animals with my knowledge of environmental science to create a path for my future.