John Mark Simmons

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Ecology

What course most changed your perspective on the world and why?

Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development. This course presented daunting ecological scenarios and the current, planned, or potential courses of action the world could take to address them. In this class I was really confronted with the reality that ecologists must collaborate with every entity involved in a project to get things done properly and to maintain local support. Collaboration is everything.

What organism most intrigues you, and why?

Arctic Tern. This bird migrates at a bare minimum 22,000 miles per year from Antarctica to Greenland and back again. Simply put, how?

What would be your ideal job in life?

Field ecologist/ornithologist with a focus on the conservation of threatened and endangered birds. Combining conservation genetics, population ecology, management, and everything else I’ve learned at UGA.

What was the most fun during your years in Ecology at UGA?

My favorite classes were Conservation Ecology and Sustainable Development and also Ornithology. Some of my best memories are simply going birding or on lab field trips with my buddies.

What was the best piece of advice you received as a student?

Always follow up.