For two Honors College Alumni, studying conservation was a long-term aspiration. Now graduates, they tell their stories of how they achieved their goals through the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC).
On Friday, September 28th, freshmen gathered to hear Tabitha King, an environmental science major (‘16), and Deanna Moore, a Conservation Studies Major (‘17), talk about their experiences living on campus at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, VA.
After an introduction from an SCBI representative, freshmen interviewed the alumni about their time studying at the Front Royal Campus.
“It was incredible,” said Moore. “The experience was completely immersive. You don’t just sit in class and take notes. You spend every day doing science and talking to researchers.”
King, who completed the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Program at SCBI, said the experience taught her a variety of skills. “Being able to learn how to explain your research to a wide variety of audiences was a great way to learn valuable science communication skills,” King said.
After SCBI, King began attending Mason’s Masters of Science graduate program in environmental science and policy. Moore currently works at the Virginia Living Museum, where she is an environmental educator.
Reporting and photography by Leah Antler