Izzy Rose Nelson from Atlanta, Georgia, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and Ecology and a minor in Marine Policy from the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science.
During her time at The U, Nelson participated in research in the Toadfish Lab and completed her senior thesis on the impact of antidepressants on hypoxia tolerance in Gulf toadfish. Nelson was Education Chair and Vice President and Secretary for Ocean Awareness Week, an annual series of events that help educate the campus community on the importance of ocean conservation, and did a semester abroad in the Galapagos where she volunteered at the National Park Tortoise Center. Nelson is a member of RhoRhoRho, the Marine and Atmospheric Honor Society since Spring 2021.
Nelson will pursue a Ph.D. in marine science with a focus on toxicology next fall at the Marine Science Institute at the University of Texas in Austin.
Read more about her experiences at the University.
Why this major? How’d you get interested in the topic?
Going into college, I knew I enjoyed biology, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with that. It was my mom who reminded me that when I was little, I was obsessed with the ocean, so I decided to try out marine biology and ecology. After completing my first semester, I knew I had made the right decision.
What attracted you to UM?
I was attracted by the variety of labs/projects the Rosenstiel School has because I felt like I would be able to see what different fields within marine science interested me. Furthermore, when I visited UM during my junior year of high school, the students I met with expressed a high quality of student life.
What kept you here?
The multitude of programs I was able to partake in kept me here. I was able to go to the Galapagos for my study abroad, take Saltwater Semester (physiology, genetics, and behavior tract), and complete my own research. I also stayed here because I quickly found that the professors and faculty really care for students and want to help you succeed. They write endless letters of recommendation, read and reread your work, and provide any support they can to help you further your academic career.
Involvements while at UM?
I have worked in the Toadfish Lab with Dr. M. Danielle McDonald since my sophomore year and am now completing a senior thesis with her. My thesis is on the impact of antidepressants on hypoxia tolerance in Gulf toadfish. I was involved with Ocean Awareness Week for two years; during my sophomore year I was an Education Chair and this year I was the Vice President and Secretary. Ocean Awareness Week is a series of events that help educate our campus community on the importance of ocean conservation and raise money for a selected non-profit. This year, we raised over $2,000 for SeaTrees. I have had jobs throughout campus, first as a tutor at the Camner Center and now as an Office Assistant at the Rosenstiel Undergraduate Office. I was also a Workshop Leader for BIO 150 during Fall 2021. I went to the Galapagos in Spring 2023, and during my time there I volunteered at the National Park Tortoise Center. I then completed Saltwater Semester in Fall 2023. I have been a member of RhoRhoRho Marine and Atmospheric Honor Society since Spring 2021. Outside of UM, I completed an education internship at the Aquarium of Niagara.
How did UM help you to identify a career choice or path?
Through my professors and the graduate students I have met, I was able to learn about possible career opportunities. When I first arrived at UM, I wasn’t sure what career choices were available in marine science, but the Rosenstiel community emphasizes education on different career paths. During Saltwater Semester, we had the opportunity to meet with diverse professionals who explained to us their path and how they got to their current position. Our Teacher’s Assistants (TAs) are also beneficial for identifying a career choice as they all have different backgrounds in terms of their degree and previous careers, so they were pivotal in my understanding of what comes after undergrad. RhoRhoRho also has multiple opportunities throughout the year to hear from experts in several fields, again increasing my understanding of career options. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in research through these opportunities.
How has UM prepared you for the future?
UM has prepared me for the future by providing me with an in-depth understanding in my field of interest. Beyond academia, UM has increased my confidence in my leadership and collaborative skills, which is essential in any career path.
Who or what made a great impact on your collegiate career at UM?
Going to the Galapagos had the greatest impact on my time at UM. I was able to build relationships with my host family, students, and professors that I will forever be grateful for. Our professors that teach us during Galapagos classes are incredibly enthusiastic, and it was inspiring to see professors take such pride and interest in their work. I was able to learn a lot about myself and what I want in my future through this experience.
What experience or accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my senior thesis work in the Toadfish Lab with Dr. McDonald. Collecting my data was a difficult process that required a lot of time and effort from the entire Toadfish Lab, so I am really pleased that I am now able to present my work and complete a thesis on it. Doing a thesis has also taught me how to complete your own research and how to handle the difficulties that come with it, which gave me the skills and confidence to pursue graduate school.
What is your favorite: campus experience, tradition, UM memory, spot on campus, etc.?
My favorite spot on campus is the Arboretum because it is a peaceful spot to go on a walk or sit and do work. My favorite tradition is the Canes Carnival because it is a really fun way to wrap up a semester and take a break from finals.
Who or what will you miss the most about UM?
I will miss my friends the most- I have been lucky in finding kind, funny, and supportive friends that are there for me always. I will also miss my professors (especially Dr. Lynne Fieber and Dr. M. Danielle McDonald) who showed me what true enthusiasm for your work looks like. Having professors that love their research and want to share that passion is what inspired me to further my education. The Rosenstiel faculty have been incredible role models and I know they will always be there to cheer me on.
What’s next?
I will be attending the Marine Science Institute at the University of Texas, Austin starting in the fall to get my Ph.D. in marine science with a focus on toxicology.
