Current Position:
Inland fisheries planning administrator with the Maryland State Department of Natural Resources
Responsibilities:
Enhancing the fish population through research and population management, conducting environmental reviews of waterways and studying fish health and diseases
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in biology and Master of Arts in environmental biology
Where did you live as a student?
Commuter student
Favorite Class at Hood:
Identification of Tissues and Photography of Cells
What made you decide to attend Hood?
Attending Hood was actually a complete accident. I attended Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, for all of two days and decided it wasn’t for me. I immediately transferred to Hood because it was affordable and I was able to work on campus at the library and the graduate office.
How did your experience at Hood influence or shape your career?
My experience at Hood rounded out my understanding in the workplace. The liberal arts degree gave me a multi-faceted understanding for my current work environment and also made me a more competitive candidate when applying for jobs post-graduation.
What is your fondest memory of your time at Hood?
I worked on campus with biology faculty over the summer, conducting research. It was a way to really get to know the professors because the class sizes were much smaller compared to the fall and spring semesters. I also remember the commuter student Christmas parties in Rayford during the last week of classes. Students would bring in champagne punch and food and sometimes even the faculty members would slip in and drink with us.
Describe Hood in one word:
Empowering. There are so many different academic fields and extra-curricular activities for students to have the opportunity to get involved.
Define your most successful moment:
I’m currently in my church’s choir and within the last several years, we did a huge performance of John Rutter’s “Requiem.” It took dozens of hours of practice sessions, but it was so worthwhile. We did two performances, and when we finished, I realized it was the best thing I had ever done. It was very moving experience.
Advice to current students:
Take any internship opportunity you’re offered. That internship can be the one that launches your career. And don’t be discouraged if you come out of college with a lower salary than you expected. You’ll move up!
