LeahJacobs

Ever since I was young I’ve possessed an innate fascination with things that crawl, hop, slither, and squirm. As I grew older my fascination never wavered. I am one of those fortunate people who grew up knowing exactly what they wanted to do and that was to study animal behavior and ecology. Over the years, experiences with my family led me to the realization that I wanted to specify in reptiles and amphibians. Because of them I went on collecting trips for snakes, salamanders, and frogs every year and spent most of my free time searching for animals up the in the mountains near my house in central California.I fully realized my love of reptiles and amphibians when I spent a year in Costa Rica studying abroad. The classes and volunteer research work I conducted gave me access to biological stations all over the country. The biologists and professors who inspired me to become an evolutionary biologist introduced me to the extensive world of research biology by providing opportunities in the field and lab. I also became proficient in Spanish and gained a fundamental knowledge of tropical ecosystems which deepened my desire to learn more about them. I have already had one field season in Costa Rica summer 2013 studying behavioral mate choice in Red-eyed treefrogs. The research in the field provided invaluable insight into the realities and rewards of field biology. In the two months abroad I realized the joy and excitement involved in creating and modifying research projects alongside my advisor and colleagues. I learned copious amounts about my study subject, the Red-eyed treefrog, and about tropical ecosystems. My research was illuminating and successful and lead me to so many new questions about the life history and evolution of this frog. Questions I am eager to answer. Overall the experience reinforced my want to become a research biologist and I look forward to the next field season.

June 2014