Molly Bost '13, '16 (MS), '22 (Ph.D.) has always known she wanted to be an environmental scientist. At Carolina, the three-time Tar Heel gained the knowledge and experience to put her passion for North Carolina's coast into action.
At the UNC Institute for the Environment's field sites, Tar Heels are explaing real-world issues through coursework, field trips, group research projects and internships with local organizations to gain first-hand experience and serve our state.
The Institute of the Environment's network of field sites in North Carolina and abroad give students opportunities for research and education in diverse ecosystems.
Carolina alumna Stacy Zhang first got her feet wet in marine ecology as an undergrad. Now a postdoctoral researcher with the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences, she is on the frontlines of helping navigate challenges facing North Carolina's coast.
Carolina senior Allison Dawn has always been drawn to nature.
She remembers running around her grandparents’ 40-acre plot of land as a kid. While her three siblings stayed inside, Dawn played outside all day.
“I just find the most solace when I’m outside,” Dawn said.
Dawn’s love for nature led her to Carolina, where she is majoring in environmental sciences and minoring in marine science, both in the College of Arts & Sciences. Her path to Carolina, however, wasn’t a traditional one.
After high school, the Fayetteville native went straight into real estate and property management, working in that industry for seven years.