Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Ecology, Evolution & Natural Resources
How did you decide on your major?
My passion for Biological Sciences mainly emerges from two sources, interest and responsibility. I have a big fascination with animals and the natural world since childhood. Inspired by biologists and naturalists’ stories learned from books, I always dreamed of becoming one of them someday. After going to school, I gradually realize the importance of this field in today’s world, and thus find myself responsible to make further studies and use what I learn to make a difference.
What is it about your chosen field (and the department) that appeals to you?
The diversity and possibility within the field of Biological Sciences appeal to me the most. Even if I decide to focus on a particular topic in the future, I could still have a broad sense of what the entire field of biology is like. By taking various courses ranging from microbiology to conservation ecology in the Department of Biological Sciences, I got the chance to cultivate a stronger scientific background for future research and career achievement.
Do you have favorite class/professor within your major?
My favorite class is Ornithology taught by Michael Allen. We learned fun facts about birds and took lots of exciting bird-watching field trips.
What are your favorite academic experiences outside of your major?
My favorite experience outside of my major is the independent research project in Dr. Changlu Wang’s Urban Entomology Lab. The project is about dietary preferences of cockroaches. Wishing to provide valuable information to produce more efficient baits, I aim to figure out the dietary preferences of common gel bait ingredients among different cockroaches. Through this experience, I get a more in-depth understanding of how science researches are organized and implemented, as well as the importance of using appropriate research method to reach the correct conclusion.
What are your other Rutgers activities?
Rutgers offers a variety of great activities. Those academic-related ones are what I appreciate the most.
I help with research work in Dr. Kimberly Russell’s bee team. Dr. Russell studies wild bee population in the transmission line right-of-way areas. I previously participated in the field collecting work, using transect trapping to sample bees. Now I am mainly doing specimen-processing work, which is to pin and organize the specimens we have collected.
Besides, I often attend guest speaker lectures within my field of interest around campus. As a member of the Herpetology club, I also went on amphibian-watching field trips with other members.
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation, I plan to pursue an MS/PhD degree in ecology.
