Successful students know that the key to getting ahead is learning inside and outside of the classroom. Heather Michael is one such student, and she strives for excellence in both her academic and extracurricular pursuits.
As a biochemistry major, much of
Heather's academic work involves science research, ranging from cancer
research, which she pursued after her freshman year at Hamilton, to
ecology. This year, she is studying the unique ecosystem of the nearby
Rome
Sand Plains, home to the rare Frosted Elfin butterfly.
Several years ago, select plots of white pine
trees, which are said to be invasive to the Wild Blue Lupine -- the host plant for
the Frosted Elfin -- were cleared to see if their removal would affect the butterfly population.
"By removing the encroaching pine trees and opening up the forest
canopy, we aim to restore the sun-drenched habitat in which Lupine plants
thrive," Heather explained.
This year, Heather is comparing cleared land plots with white pine plots to monitor
the population dynamics of the butterflies.
Her results,
which strongly suggest that White Pine tree removal has, in fact, led to an increase in
the Lupine plant and Elfin butterfly populations, have allowed her to do fieldwork and to look at science from
a brand new perspective. She's also been able to give back
to the local community by working to preserve this unique environment.
Heather continues to utilize her time outside of the classroom by being a science Peer Tutor and a biology lab teaching assistant; both help her to build a greater understanding of the knowledge she obtains in the classroom through direct application in real-life situations. Heather also works as a campus EMT. As a pre-med student, she enjoys this opportunity because it gives true purpose and insight to what she will be doing later on in life -- helping other people.
Her academic and extracurricular successes have not only given her the opportunity to learn about the people and environment around her, but also about herself: "Before Hamilton, I tended to pursue only the things I was good at. Since then, I've broken out of my comfort bubble and have discovered fulfillment in places where, a few years ago, I never would have dared to look." By taking a wide array of classes, getting involved in a number of campus activities, and giving back to the community, Heather Michael is certainly learning how to put it all together.
