Breadcrumb
Wildlife, B.S. | Class of
Evan Miller
Anthropology Ph.D. Candidate and Lecturer
Employer: University of Texas at San Antonio
Job description: My dissertation research focuses on the impact of global climate change on galagos (also called bushbabies) in East Africa. Specifically, how geological climate change cycles, such as glacial cooling and warming alterations, impacted species distributions and diversification, and predicting how ranges of species will shift under future warming scenarios.
About Evan
Why did you choose this program?
The small-size and tight-knit nature of the community on campus was very refreshing to me. I had also heard many great things about the ranking and status of the Wildlife program from quite a few people. Plus, who can say no to being on a campus surrounded by coastal redwoods and in proximity to beautiful beaches and saltmarshes?? Come on!
How did this program prepare you for your job?
All the professors in this program were well-accomplished scientists and very approachable people. Not only were the classes very hands-on and experiential, but professors also highly encouraged students to work with them on various projects to get more outside-the-class experience in wildlife biology techniques and studies. Gaining experience in research with them, both in and out of the classroom, is what made me feel very prepared to eventually pursue a Ph.D. program, and also made me more competitive for field tech jobs between my undergrad and grad school.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
I enjoyed most how close and involved the community was with each other. The Wildlife Department was the kind of place for me where it felt that everyone there had the same goals and viewed the world through the same lens. It was an environment where I could walk up to any stranger in the hallway, strike up a conversation with them, and be best friends by the end of the day! And, while the nature of the student-professor relationship was always professional, it was clear from the onset of starting there that professors had a deep care for the students and a passion to teach. The professors’ ability to promote hands-on learning and to encourage us to seek out additional experience is a major part of the reason I was so successful as an undergrad (and why I even had the chance to co-author my first peer-reviewed publication with a professor too!).
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
If you have a passion for wildlife biology, you are in the right company at this university. Most importantly, the professors, instructors, grad students, and undergrads all share this passion too! Everyone here wants you to succeed, so do not hesitate to ask your professors questions about how to be successful and what you can do. They want to help!