Student Vignettes

Noya Hudkins

INSTITUTION, MAJOR, AND HOBBIES

I attend Eckerd College here in Saint Peterburg, Florida. There I study a double major in Marine Science, with a biology track, and International Business. Living here, it is easy to love outside activities. I am passionate about surfing and skateboarding, in addition to painting and dancing, and traveling whenever I can. 

CAREER INTERESTS

As a sophomore in college, I am actively exploring various experiences in the field to identify my true passion. Currently, I am particularly interested in studying the multifaceted impacts of climate change. My areas of focus include the effect of ocean acidification on tropical coral reefs, the accelerated ice melting in Antarctica, and the behavioral and population changes in marine mammals. Specifically, I am intrigued by how climate change influences marine mammals' global migration patterns and alterations in behavior in the Antarctic.

WHY I CHOSE TO ATTEND THE USF MAKING WAVES

My interests have been greatly affected by my research background in  geosciences, even if marine biology is my main academic concentration. My participation in the USF Making Waves program, where my goal is to increase my knowledge and experience in marine geology, stems from this broad basis. This program presents a special chance for me to delve more into marine geology and determine whether it fits with my long-term professional goals. In addition, the USF Making Waves program gives me practical research experience that lets me plan and carry out my own studies. My first venture into professional scientific research will be made possible by this immersion experience, which will allow me to contribute to the scientific community. I will get priceless lab experience from this program and set myself on a route that leads to opportunities in marine biology and marine geology in the future.