“I believe [Biology faculty] have provided me with the skills and education needed to succeed in my future career.”
Coming to Gustavus knowing that she was interested in science, Gabriela was drawn to a major in Biology on the life sciences track after taking biology courses and enjoying the environmental aspect of the field. Since then, she has enjoyed the opportunity to get outside and explore ecosystems in her classes. Within the Biology Department, Gabriela appreciates the willingness of other students and faculty to provide help and support, saying “It feels great knowing that there is a community in the department willing to support you through your college career”. Another thing that Gabriela has enjoyed within the department is the opportunity to do hands-on learning in nature with her classmates. These experiences have provided her with fun ways to apply the knowledge that she has learned in class to the natural world. Through the department, Gabriela has also been given resources to seek out other experiential learning on her own, including working for Conservation Corps Minnesota, and a future internship with the DNR doing fawn survival and pheasant neononic concentrations research. Gabriela feels that the Gustavus Biology Department has helped her become more prepared for a future career, especially due to the support and expertise of professors within the department, saying “I have found them to be understanding, knowledgeable, and willing to help all students learn and exceed”. Outside of the Biology Department, Gabriela is also involved on campus with the Women’s Soccer Team.