Passion for Marine Science leads Young 研究er Abroad
贝丝咄 knew she was interested in marine science since the age of 12. 在波特兰出生和长大, 俄勒冈州, she grew up fishing in the ocean and volunteering at an aquarium, all while dreaming of working on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 船.
"I think everyone has a marine biology phase at some point, but I just never grew out of mine,胡茨说。. “I have always been interested in environmental activism and climate change research, with fisheries as my main interest.”
作为一个接受者 国家优秀奖学金, a full ride opportunity led Hoots to the University of Idaho in 2016. She said she has been fortunate to be supported and challenged by all the professors, faculty and peers in the program of Ecology Conservation and Biology.
During her undergraduate experience, Hoots is pursuing as many research opportunities as she can. She has completed a variety of research, 包括哥斯达黎加的项目, Ecuador and Willow Creek Reservoir in 俄勒冈州 with the 陆军工程兵团.
“生活在厄瓜多尔, 特别是, for three months during my freshman year gave me a taste of college-level research, specifically studying the biodiversity and ecology of a particular pond,胡茨说。.
她说她的生活改变了, inspiring experience in Ecuador prompted her to study abroad in Peru last semester, a place that made all her dreams come true. The ecological diversity of the Andes Mountains, Amazon Rainforest and desert coast made Peru the perfect place to live, 咄说.
在秘鲁, 咄说 she continued to work on her final thesis project under the mentorship of her thesis supervisor 弗兰克·威廉，大学教授 自然资源学院. She compiled her initial data collections of the effects of rising water temperature on the duration of the lifecycle of a caddisfly.
Now back at U of I for her second to last semester, Hoots continues to collect and bring the insects back from Lake Coeur D ‘Alene Lake for lab observation in water tanks at different temperatures.
"Not only did I work on my thesis, but I polished my Spanish-speaking, engaged with the friendliest people in such an authentic culture, and enjoyed delicious food throughout all of my adventures,胡茨说。.
She said taking advantage of 职业服务 has been the most helpful resource for utilizing opportunities that have led her to where she is now. 一致地开会 埃里克·安德森和温迪·瓦格纳 gave Hoots the confidence to apply for anything, from research opportunities to jobs to scholarships, 她说.
"It is always convenient to have a second pair of eyes read over everything and provide helpful, 知识渊博的反馈,胡茨说。. “I am thankful for all of the professional help I have received on building and editing my resume, writing cover letters and letters of interest, 填写申请表, and just having a friendly face to talk with."
Dr. 威廉说 Hoots has completed original, independent research over the last year for her thesis. 除了每周例会, 威廉说 he has gotten to know Hoots through eight hour field days and their travels to places such as Ecuador.
"Beth may seem shy at first if you don’t know her, but she is a firecracker,” Dr. 威廉说. “She has always been pleasant to interact with, especially because she is fiercely independent and acts more as a colleague than an undergrad."
Dr. 威廉说 Hoots has an incredible skillset to aid her graduate school applications and has pursued everything out of genuine interest, rather than simply checking boxes before graduation. 他说她追求研究, international experience and speaking another language, 和更多的, has all prepared her well for her future.
