This question is really hard. One of my favorite organisms is the red salamander. First of all, they are adorable and fun to find. Their vibrant color is beautiful and semiaquatic nature “intrigues” me. I also love bees, which I know is not one organism. But, honey bees, bumble bees, and even tubby carpenter bees are intriguing to me because of how important their pollination services are to ecosystems. It’s one of my favorite topics to write about!
Victoria Nicole Swyers
Class of 2020
What advice would you give to incoming Ecology majors?
Hang out in the ecology lounge and attend Waffle Wednesday. It’s a good way to meet people that share your interests.
What was the best piece of advice you received as a student?
My best piece of advice is not related to Odum—learn the bus system and campus shortcuts!
The course that most changed my perspective on the world ...
ECOL 3300, the Ecology A.B. Maymester changed my world because we met with so many different stakeholders that ultimately work together to improve and protect the world we live in. It taught me people care about the environment outside of academia. Bonus, that’s where I met most of my ecology friends, and while the course was difficult at times, we became better ecologists for it. Also, ENTO 4000 because I used to HATE bugs. Now I’m the idiot that catches them, names them, and then sets them free. After taking that class (and subsequent entomology courses), my non-ecology friends began referring to my major as “bugs” because of how often I talked about them.
What would be your ideal job in life?
I want to be an environmental journalist!
What one word best describes my experience in the Odum School of Ecology?
Family
What was the most fun during your years in Ecology at UGA?
I honestly always had the most fun taking classes with my “ecology friends” (particularly Wesley, Anderson, and Leah). Seeing them throughout the day made my classes way more enjoyable, and I’m going to miss goofing off with them every day.
