Russell Gurland Wins the Smouse Award for Outstanding Student in Evolution

Ever since I entered high school, I have been developing an ever-increasing fondness for the reptiles and amphibians who call our planet home. I have always felt an emotional connection to their spontaneity, but also admired their ability to be so inconceivably still, unlike most mammals you see every day. Nothing has proven more meaningful to me than working to better understand these creatures and the habitats they depend on for their continued existence. This interest is what led me to Rutgers. I also chose Rutgers because of the amazing faculty whom I had met prior to enrolling, who gave me confidence that Rutgers would allow me to pursue this passion. Through the amazing community here, I have been able to work with and see all sorts of amazing wildlife (and people) and create connections and memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. I remember vividly, during my first course freshman year, Dr. Sukhdeo's ‘Trees and the Environment’, how her unique teaching style and passion inspired me to put my all into every aspect of my Rutgers experience. Experiences Rutgers has given me include dissecting a squid, loving every second of measuring snakes in the pouring rain, and introducing members of the Herpetology club to the wonderful salamanders that call New Brunswick home! For the future, I see myself pursuing a Ph.D. studying the evolutionary biology of snakes. I am grateful to Dr. Russell and Dr. Hawkings for helping me understand and love invertebrates of all shapes and sizes. I also won’t forget Dr. Lathrop and Dr. John-Alder’s encouragement all year long as I pursued my George H. Cook Project through all its twists and turns! Thank you, Rutgers!