EEB Class of 2025: Meet our graduating seniors!

1) Next year I will be starting my PhD in Plant Biology at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, in the lab of Dr Rose Marks to study desiccation in South African resurrection plants.

2) My favorite time in EEB was taking Woody Plants! I loved being able to explore so many different forests of southeast Michigan and learn how to identify so many species. I also had a collections management internship at the Herbarium one summer and it was one of the most impactful experiences I have had in college, really shaped my future research goals in grad school and beyond.

3) I chose EEB because of the support within the department and the broad studies happening within all sorts of different research, I also found a lot of professors to be really supportive as I started my grad school search and application process.

4) My advice to incoming undergrads is to take the classes that are most interesting to you! It seems obvious but taking super cool electives along side major requirements is what is so wonderful about the EEB major. I also was in a research lab for all four years in MCDB and really enjoyed personally combing what I learned between the two departments.

1) I plan on attending Stanford University in the fall to earn a PhD in Earth System Science to continue pursuing my interest in studying bacterial processes. I will also be spending the summer working on publishing my honors thesis.

2) My favorite moment in EEB was getting out on the boat and doing field work with other labs and NOAA (pictured left). There is absolutely nothing better than seeing the roots of your research and connecting with the beautiful Michigan ecosystems. My first time out on the boat feeling the wind on my face and the cold water spray on my skin definitely reminded me of why I am so passionate about microbial ecology and protecting our precious habitats.

3) I chose this major after I joined the Denef lab in the fall of 2021 through UROP. I loved the work immediately and knew I wanted to shape my career around researching microbes and how they interact with each other, so I picked EEB to continue pursuing my research interests, build on what I was learning in the lab, and learn new things in awesome classes outside of the scope of my research!

4) I would say my best advice is just to follow your passion. Take the classes you think are interesting, chat with other people in your major, and make a habit of attending department events and seminars to engage with others doing research that catches your attention. EEB is such a diverse major with so many different research focuses and ways of thinking, so there is definitely a niche here for every passionate scientist!

1) I'll be joining Magnolia, Inc. as an Environmental Markets Analyst Intern, working on market-driven conservation initiatives. I'm excited to apply my ecological knowledge to help scale effective restoration projects that create measurable environmental benefits.

2) My experience at the U-M Biological Station was absolutely transformative. Taking both Field Ecology and Biology and Ecology of Fishes there allowed me to immerse myself in the subjects while surrounded by pristine northern Michigan ecosystems. The outdoor classroom experience was unparalleled—identifying fish species in crystal-clear streams and studying forest succession on daily hikes. Beyond academics, the close-knit community of passionate students and faculty created an amazing environment where ecological discussions continued long after class ended around evening bonfires.

3) Growing up in New Delhi, I witnessed incredible biodiversity existing alongside environmental degradation. I chose EEB to develop a scientific understanding of natural systems and their responses to human impacts. The major's combination of field techniques, quantitative analysis, and systems thinking provided the toolkit I needed to address the environmental challenges I care about most.

4) Advice for incoming undergrads: Get into the field as early and often as you can! Classroom learning is crucial, but there's no substitute for hands-on experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to professors whose research interests you – my four years with the Coastal Ecology lab began with a simple email. Look for opportunities to apply your ecological knowledge to practical, interdisciplinary challenges.

1) I am starting graduate school at the University of Colorado - Boulder for a PhD in Ecology

2) A favorite EEB moment was field work in the Duffy Lab and at UMBS.

3) I chose the major because I have lots of questions about the world around me and spending time outdoors conducting research!

4) Some advice I have for incoming undergrads is to ask questions and get involved in research!

1) My plans for next year are to complete spring courses, spend time with my family, and search for some jobs in ecology.

2) My favorite experience at UM was taking classes at the Biostation. It really felt like everyone there was just one big family and I had some amazing experiences, including my first time doing field work! It was also what led me to the lab that I am currently working in. (The photo below was taken on the Inland Seas trip that I went on last summer at the Biostation)

3) I knew I was interested in biology, but did not want to go into the medical field and this major seemed to be the only biology focused major that was not specifically for pre-meds.

4) Take advantage of the resources and opportunities that you have at UM. There are so many different labs, student organizations, professors, etc. that can lead to great opportunities and connections (even after you graduate), but you need to put yourself out there. It can be tough, but if you have a genuine interest in something, go for it. You'd be surprised how far this passion can get you.

1) My plans for next year are to be a research assistant in Costa Rica studying capuchin monkeys!

2) My favorite EEB moment was definitely going to the Biostation. It was an incredible experience. I learned so much, had so much fun, and got to explore beautiful Northern Michigan.

3) I chose this major because of my time at the biostation. I came into college undecided and I had a lot of trouble narrowing down my interests. I went to the biostation the spring semester after my freshman year, mostly just because I thought it sounded cool, and I fell in love with it. I loved the fieldwork, being outside all the time, the camp feel. I loved the classes and my professors and I met so many incredible people! After that, I knew I wanted to major in EEB.

4) Advice for incoming undergrads: GO to the biostation!! Similarly, I studied abroad (with SFS, HIGHLY recommend) and it was one of the best things I have ever done, but credits can be a little harder to transfer for an EEB. However, if you can make it work, I would 100% recommend it.

(Photo rom my study abroad experience with the School for Field Studies in Panama!)

1) Next year I will be starting my PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Minnesota. I will be working under Dr. Peter Kennedy's mentorship to answer questions on protist roles in soil saprotrophy, and how fungal traits affect soil organic matter formation and long-term carbon residence. My research interests are guided by trying to better understand soil carbon cycling and ecosystem resilience using trait-based and community-informed microbial ecology. 
2) My favorite EEB experience was this past fall, when I went with Prof. Tim James' Mycology course up to the Smith Fungal Foray in the Upper Peninsula. We spent all day in beautiful northern forests searching for as many different kinds of mushrooms that we could. It had just rained, so there was an incredible abundance and variety of fruiting bodies. At the end of the day, all of the mushrooms were displayed on tables. It was the most fungi I had ever seen before in my life, and I was just in awe at the astonishing diversity of forms, colors, smells, and tastes of all of them. The people there had so much knowledge on fungi, and it was the best kind of hands on EEB learning. This was definitely a moment that solidified my interest in fungi, and made me want to pursue a PhD studying their ecology! 

3) Three things form my interest in EEB: I have always been a naturalist, and it brings me great joy to identify and understand different organisms of all kinds and their ecologies. Next, I chose the major because I am driven by a passion for understanding how ecosystems work, so that we can better protect and steward them. Along those lines, I have long been interested in how global change is impacting and changing ecosystems, and how they will respond. EEB allows me to effectively study this from so many angles, from understanding changes in carbon cycling, to looking at transcriptional-level adaptation in soil fungi. Lastly, I have always been curious about so many different aspects of the world - biology, chemistry, geology, etc. - and EEB fulfills that interest because even though it is a "hard science", it is highly integrative and interdisciplinary, and I can bring together many different fields to better understand the complex systems which are the ecosystems we live in. 

4) Go to the Biological Station early! Every EEB student I know says it was the best experience they had of their undergrad (including myself), and usually they wish they went earlier. It is a phenomenal opportunity to explore your interest in EEB, take amazing field courses, and also build long-lasting friendships with other woodsy people who will stick with you for the rest of your undergrad!

1) This fall, I'll be starting my Master of Science in Marine Biology at UC San Diego through the Ocean Biosciences Program at Scripps Institution of Oceanography!

2) One of my favorite EEB experiences was taking field classes at the U-M Biological Station, especially working on an awesome project collecting small crustaceans from the Gorge River for Thiago Gonçalves-Souza's Ecology Lab class.

3) I chose this major because of my experience in Tom Duda's lab. I was originally undecided about which biology major to pursue, but EEB ended up being the best fit for my interests and future goals.

4) Take advantage of as many opportunities as you can--whether that's adding another major, joining clubs, making connections with professors, or finding summer research projects. Stay open to new experiences and make the most of your time here at Michigan!

1) Next year I'll be working at the UM Museum of Zoology: Collection of Amphibians and Reptiles, while applying to grad school!

2) My favorite course was EEB 450: Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles, taught by Alison Davis Rabosky, GSI John David Curlis, and TA Haley Martens in Winter 2023!  

3) I chose this department and program because of the incredible resources available: including incredible faculty, the UM Biological Station, UM Natural History Museum, and the Research Museum Center. 

4) Get involved early! Research EEB Faculty, send emails, send follow up emails, ask to attend lab meetings, get involved with research, etc. --- and don't wait until your final year. There is a lot of incredible work going on in the university and many wonderful communities that would love to help you grow your enthusiasm for the natural world. 

1) After graduation, I plan to work at my new job at an animal hospital to gain more hands-on veterinary experience as I apply to veterinary school. I'm excited to work with a variety of animals and continue building toward my long-term goal of becoming a veterinarian.

2) One of my favorite EEB experiences was taking Ecology at the University of Michigan Biological Station. Not only was the research and fieldwork incredibly rewarding, but the whole experience was just so fun and memorable. I loved the square dance, relaxing in hammocks, going on hikes, and canoeing with friends. Being immersed in nature and surrounded by people who were just as excited about ecology made it one of the most impactful parts of my college experience.

3) I’ve always loved animals and being in nature, and I wanted a major that reflected that. EEB gave me the chance to understand how animals interact with their environment, how ecosystems function, and how biodiversity is shaped over time, all of which connect directly to my interests in veterinary medicine and conservation. After taking Biology 130 with Elizabeth Tibbetts, I felt completely sure this was the right path for me. That class made the science behind animal behavior and evolution come alive and solidified my decision to major in EEB.

4) My advice to incoming undergrads is to focus on finding a balance between academics and your well-being. It's easy to get caught up in deadlines and requirements, but don't forget to enjoy your time here. Go outside, try new things, and build relationships with people who inspire you. Say yes to opportunities that interest you, even if they push you out of your comfort zone. Your college experience is not just about the classes you take. It is also about the people you meet and the personal growth that happens along the way.

1) Next year, I will be starting my PhD in Ecology with Dr. Maren Vitousek at Cornell University - working on the physiology and behavior of tree swallows to understand how they respond to stressors!

2) My favorite EEB experience was serving as a teaching assistant for the past two years for BIOLOGY 171 (Intro to Ecology, Evolution and Genetics). Being a TA for this course was so amazing, as it allowed me to not only spend my free time learning more about ecology and evolution, but also try to start to get younger students excited about the possibility of joining EEB. 

3) I decided to study EEB because I love animals, and I love observing them in the wild and trying to understand the reasons behind their behavior. EEB was the perfect major where I could combine my interests in physiology and behavior with studying animals in the wild, and understand animal behavior in natural systems. 

4) Go to the field! This can look different for everyone - whether it's locally in Ann Arbor, with an NSF REU, or at the bio station - but it's the best part of being in EEB :)