“Even during my childhood, I was always interested in reptiles, fish and insects. As an undergraduate at Ohio Northern University, I switched the focus of my major from pre-med to ichthyology, because I was more interested in field biology than in clinical biology. I first learned about Natural Resources and Environment from one of my advisors at Ohio Northern, and, after completing my undergraduate degree in biology in 2000, I decided to pursue my master’s degree, and eventually my Ph.D., in the Aquatic Sciences field of study at the University of Michigan.

“The school’s close affiliations with the Institute for Fisheries Research, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratories provide numerous research and professional opportunities in aquatics for University students. For example, this summer and fall 2006, I am working as a research technician with the USGS on a Great Lakes fish’s project.

“I also enjoy the fact that courses in Aquatic Sciences have diverse field components. In the biology of fish course, we traveled to lakes and rivers throughout southeast Michigan, even as far as Lake Erie, to use various sampling techniques and to collect different species of fish. I also have taught the lab components for the biology of fish and parasitology courses in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
“The faculty is very approachable, and I highly recommend getting to know your advisors. They are knowledgeable and eager to help students develop research projects and find funding for their education. Edward Rutherford, an associate research scientist, is one of my advisors for my master’s thesis, which focuses on the ecological factors influencing fish communities in the Muskegon River.

“I presented my initial findings at the International Association for Great Lakes Research conference in Windsor, Ontario, over the summer, and I plan to make a similar presentation at the American Fisheries Society conference this fall. I also have conducted research for my Ph.D. advisor, Professor Michael Wiley, centered on fish habitats in the Muskegon River.

“My advice to prospective students is to take advantage of the diversity of course offerings in the Aquatic Sciences plan, particularly those with field studies, so you can get a well-rounded perspective and identify areas of particular interest to you.”