Amanda Ring came to Dal in part because she wanted to experience the Maritime lifestyle. Originally from Richmond, B.C., Amanda knew she had to be near the ocean, but she didnāt know just how much studying seaside would impact her career.
This week, Amanda graduates with a Bachelor of Science degree (both co-op and honours) in Environmental Science, along with a certificate in Environmental Impact Assessment and a minor in Biology.
Excited and confident, she knows is exactly where she wants to be.
āIāve never once doubted it,ā she says. āThis is what I want to do.ā
Amanda was drawn to Dalās program for its interdisciplinary nature. āIt provides the opportunity to both be in and learn about nature. Itās a dynamic work environment and it also offers me the opportunity to make the world a better place, which is something I really value.ā
She jumped into fieldwork as soon as the opportunity presented itself, completing the Integrated Science Program in her first year. It allowed her to recognize and appreciate the intersections of the various science disciplines and the value of working in a team with different strengths.
āIt gave me my first taste of research experience, and it proved to me how much I love studying the natural world,ā she says.
Amanda soon began more in-depth research and had the opportunity to present her findings at the Science Atlantic Conference in 2016 where she was awarded the K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre Award. During her time at Dal, she completed co-op terms with organizations like Environment Canada, worked as an intramural sport official with Dalhousie Athletics, took part in this yearās and served as treasurer of the Environmental Programs Student Society.
āYou can always find people with common interests,ā she says āThere are so many opportunities to escape the city and explore nature.ā
Amanda is currently working as a teaching assistant for Environmental Science courses at Dal and hopes to spend her year in the field.
āI will go back to school eventually, but for now I am working to find my specific passions. I want to explore, and hopefully specialize in something I love.ā
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