Graduate Student Interview: Michelle Moyer (Omland Lab)

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 08:43:12 -0500

This semester the BIOL 141H – Foundations of Biology: Cells, Energy, & Organisms Honors students were asked to interview UMBC graduate students to better understand what research and graduate school is like, including tips for getting involved and applying to different programs. In a series of myUMBC postings, the BIOL 141H students share their interview reflections. Each of these interviews were completed by an undergraduate student, and are posted with permission from both undergraduate and graduate student. Their contact information can be seen at the bottom of the post if you have any questions. Questions about BIOL 141H can be directed to course instructor, Dr. Beth Feeser (efeeser@umbc.edu).

Jillian Mensah

Biology 141H

Dr. Elizabeth Feeser

15 October 2021

Graduate Student Interview: Michelle Moyer

Michelle Moyer is a third-year graduate student completing her PH.D. at UMBC. She is originally from Colorado, where she completed her undergraduate degree in zoology (a branch of biology that studies the animal kingdom). She was always interested in biology however she was unsure about whether graduate school was the correct path for her. Because of this, she took a few years off, in these years she was able to teach English in Hungary and volunteer, in search of the path that was meant for her. “Those years away taught me that science is where my passion lies”.

Thus began Moyer’s journey at UMBC in 2019, in which she studied female bird song in the Bahama oriole and other bird species.

Moyer’s initial attraction to biology began during high school where she took a biology class in which she was able to conduct experiments with plants; that experience sparked her fascination with nature conservation. The study of biology was particularly intriguing because it made her question everything which eased her inquisitive mind. When asked, Moyer stated eagerly, “it's just exciting to be able to look at the world and be able to find questions in it!”. During her undergraduate career, she worked in labs and got a lot of independent field research experience whilst being in the safety net of advisors who guided her. She got a lot of public speaking opportunities in which she was able to talk about the research that she conducted as well.

She believes that knowing how to write scientifically, knowing the content of what you are studying and also knowing how to speak publicly are the most important skills to have within this field.

Like anyone who pursues higher level education, there are challenges that naturally arise, however they not only teach lessons but shape individuals as well. Moyer spoke of a challenge she faced with having to take chemistry-based courses throughout both her undergraduate and graduate degree. Although it was difficult, she believes it taught her to ask for help because being able to know and understand the content directly relating to her degree was very important to her.

In the next 5 years, Moyer sees herself doing research conservation for the government in which community outreach and mentorship is the main goal. She loves the element of mentorship and teaching, so being a professor might be in the books for her! She also hopes to travel to the Bahamas, Madagascar, New Zealand and Australia in order to conduct research whilst experiencing new cultures and people. Her advice for anyone currently completing a scientific degree is to not get ahead of yourself and explore different opportunities in order to find what best suits you!

Questions?

BIOL 141H student: Jillian Mensah (jmensah3@umbc.edu)

Graduate Student: Michelle Moyer (mmoyer1@umbc.edu)