Laurel's Story

NAME: Laurel Campbell
HOMETOWN: Shippensburg, PA
MAJOR: Biology

FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHIPPENSBURG:

The professors and their commitment to helping their students succeed.

TWO INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT ME:

I learned how to surf this past summer and my favorite food is pineapple.

CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS/SPORTS/ACTIVITIES:

Environmental Club (President), Biology Club, Tri-Beta, Environmental Steering Committee

SCHOLARSHIP:

I have two scholarships; the Norman E. Greenawalt scholarship, and the Richard H. Hosfeld scholarship. Both of these scholarships have provided me with the opportunity to devote more time to my studies and campus involvement.

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:

This past summer, I interned with the National Park Service at Assateague Island National Seashore in Virginia. I researched and presented programs to visitors about the ecology and processes of the island. In addition, I provided environmental and conservation education to visitors. Through this experience, I gained an immense amount of hands on knowledge in my field and made numerous contacts for future employment and internships.

STUDENT RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:

I am currently involved in a long-term research project with Dr. Pablo Delis. We are determining geographic variation and life-history traits of Spring Peeper populations between Micheaux State Forest and Letterkenny Army Depot in Cumberland and Franklin counties. In collaboration with Dr. Walter Meshaka at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, we are currently working on a publication of our findings for a scientific journal. I also worked with Dr. Nathan Thomas characterizing summit metabolic rates of House Sparrows in south-central Pennsylvania. Through these experiences, I was able to present my research at professional meetings and gained experience working with professionals in my field.

MOST MEANINGFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT SHIP:

Through Ship, I have had so many opportunities to be involved and gain confidence to be a leader. My professors have all encouraged me to do more and provided a vast amount of opportunities to achieve knowledge and experience outside of the classroom. I like that support system and that they believe in me.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:

Through the Environmental Club, I am involved with many volunteer activities including Ship Shape Day, Academic Day, and local cleanups. I have also participated in Relay for Life and composting with students at Luhrs Elementary School. I also have volunteered at the Shippensburg Senior Center and was involved with the Voter Registration Drive on campus.