SARAH KINSEY
MAJOR : BIOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE HOMETOWN : BEL AIR , MD
NSHIP
Choosing her major — or double majors — went swimmingly for Sarah Kinsey ‘ 22 , who had always enjoyed science and knew she wanted to work with animals in some aspect . At Stevenson , exploring different elective classes led Sarah to what would become her passion : wildlife conservation .
Sarah spent her senior-year internship as a Marine Mammal Intern at the National Aquarium in Baltimore , learning all aspects of caring for and training a colony of six Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their facility .
“ By the end of my internship , I was able to participate in training sessions and aide in important husbandry behaviors . I also conducted a behavioral research project on building the dolphins resiliency and problem-solving skills in order to prepare them for their future home at an outdoor sanctuary ,” Sarah says .
Among her exceptional experiences outside the classroom was a study abroad trip to the Galápagos Islands and Quito , Ecuador . There , she was able to experience a variety of ecosystems and different species — her highlight having been snorkeling with sea lions and sea turtles .
Back on Stevenson ’ s campus , Sarah also conducted an independent research project alongside School of the Sciences faculty , where she studied the conservation efforts of the Eastern Bluebird using an online database to determine the effectiveness and longevity of these efforts .
Ultimately , Sarah appreciates the small student-to-faculty ratio and dedicated professors that gave her the resources she needed to pursue her passion . “ The personal relationships I have built with faculty and other students in my major is an opportunity I don ’ t think I would have gained at another school ,” she says .
For Sarah , an experience became an opportunity , and she ’ s ready to dive into life after SU : “ Stevenson University gave me the knowledge and confidence to pursue my passion and go into a career field that I love . After I graduate , I hope to apply the skills and knowledge that I have learned at Stevenson and become a marine mammal trainer and inspire and educate others on conservation of these incredible creatures .”
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