Students Attend Career Symposium at Duke
A group of Principia College students interested in wetland conservation recently traveled to North Carolina for a career symposium held at the Duke University Wetland Center, which sponsored the event to celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary. College biology professor Dr. Greg Bruland, who led the Principia contingent, spoke at the conference alongside faculty from the University of Oregon, Indiana University, Czech University of Life Sciences, Colorado State University, and Duke University, among others.
Coinciding with World Wetlands Day, the symposium included talks on aspects of wetland science and management, a panel discussion on wetland-related careers, and tours of restored wetlands, a storm-water reclamation lake, and the LEED Platinum-certified Environment Hall.
“This was a rich experience for our students on many levels,” says Dr. Bruland. “They learned from a diverse group of professionals who have worked in various capacities in the environmental sciences and were introduced to Duke University, where our students can do a summer exchange program through Principia’s membership in Duke’s Marine Sciences Education Consortium. The trip also introduced the students to Duke’s excellent graduate programs in the environmental sciences.”
Sophomore biology major Kat Biang found the symposium both inspiring and helpful with networking. “I’m interested in a field research career in environmental and wildlife conservation,” she says. “The speakers described their journeys from graduate school to where they are now and encouraged us to explore career opportunities, broaden connections, and establish strong relationships with other scientists.”