Carlie Johanning wins the Ning Moeller Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Scholarship

My love for nature and wildlife started at a young age. There is a state park close to my house and I would go there any chance that I got growing up. This led me towards the Ecology, Evolution and Natural Resources major. I am so happy that I chose this major! My favorite parts were having classes outside! Some of my favorite classes included Forest Measurements, Plant Ecology and Evolution of Animal Behavior. Each of them focused on a different part of the major and I loved each new topic I learned (even if that meant a 5 hour lab outside measuring trees while it was snowing). The professors are really what made each of the classes because they were all passionate about what they taught. Their passion ignited my interest in research; I never expected to be interested in research, but it was one of the best parts of my college career. I got the chance to involved in three professors labs in the department and each of them provided me with so much guidance and support. From being involved in research, I even had the opportunity this past semester to travel to the Virginia Chapter of the Wildlife Society to present on European starlings’ parasites.