Brandeis University I have always been interested in nature and ecology; however until I started college it was no more than a passing interest. Since then, I have had the chance to join an organization at Brandeis that teaches environmental lessons to fifth and sixth grade students, the Students for Environmental Action Education Committee. As a participant in the program I not only taught others, but I learned a lot as well. Through my interactions with my peers in this program, as well as those with both the students and teachers in the local schools, I realized that ecology was more than just a passing interest for me. Although I am a biology major, I have had very little opportunity to actually study in the field. I was attracted to the SFS program because it allowed me this chance. I chose to participate in the Rainforest Program, because it gives me a chance to be up close and personal with a unique ecosystem. I not only hope to understand the rainforest itself but I also hope to further understand the effects of the human impact. The knowledge that I have gained through my participation in SFS will not be kept to myself. Once I have completed this program, I will take this experience and share it with my community at home, my friends and family as well as the students that I teach. I am also interested in animals and recently have become interested in fish as well. I have worked on experiments to help determine the design for the Aquatic Habitat for the International Space Station. And this summer I am going to begin work on my thesis in a lab that studies bone development in zebrafish (Danio rerio). I have 4 zebrafish as my own pets. I also enjoy reading fantasy and suspense novels.
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Rachael Max