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 didn鈥檛 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.
鈥淚鈥檝e never once doubted it,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his is what I want to do.鈥�
Amanda was drawn to Dal鈥檚 program for its interdisciplinary nature. 鈥淚t provides the opportunity to both be in and learn about nature. It鈥檚 a dynamic work environment and it also offers me the opportunity to make the world a better place, which is something I really value.鈥�
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.
鈥淚t gave me my first taste of research experience, and it proved to me how much I love studying the natural world,鈥� 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 AV俱乐部 Athletics, took part in this year鈥檚 and served as treasurer of the Environmental Programs Student Society.
鈥淵ou can always find people with common interests,鈥� she says 鈥淭here are so many opportunities to escape the city and explore nature.鈥�
Amanda is currently working as a teaching assistant for Environmental Science courses at Dal and hopes to spend her year in the field.
鈥淚 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.鈥�
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