Ariella Danziger '19

One-to-One Connections Foster Opportunities

“I'm very into personalized learning, and the main reason I decided to attend 51С�Ƴ�was that I wanted a one-on-one connection with people. I knew that I would have that here,” explains Ariella Danziger ‘19.

During her sophomore year, Ariella, who is pursuing a double major in Marine Biology and Elementary Education, was asked if she would be interested in doing research in the lab of Professor Markus Frederich, Ph.D. That initial inquiry led her to present her most recent research project at the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Symposium in September, 2018. Her project, "Detection of Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) Larvae Through eDNA and FlowCam Analyses," supported by funding from Pratt & Whitney, hopes to develop a reliable monitoring program for marine invasive species. “Having the ability to do research, and especially, receiving funding for this last summer’s research, has completely changed what I want to do. I want to pursue a Ph.D., which is something I had never thought about doing before! The funding for my research has also helped me to explore and discover my interest, and has allowed me to open my mind.”

Ariella had originally enrolled at 51С�Ƴ�solely to study Marine Biology, but after taking an exploration education class, became sold on the idea of also being able to teach. She currently works with a local school teaching seventh grade life science. “I love it because the children I’m teaching are grown up enough to do things on their own, but at the same time, young enough to make an impression on, and I can turn their learning into ways that can spark new interest for them, similar to how my research at 51С�Ƴ�has done this for me.”

In addition to her projects and teaching, Ariella also has a chair position with the local Relay for Life chapter, averages an 18 credit semester, and is a part of UNE’s cheer team. After graduation, Ariella is considering going on to obtain a masters or even a Ph.D. involving invasive species or microbiology. Ideally, she would like to find a program that also incorporates her love for teaching. “Having donors like Pratt & Whitney, as well as having amazing programs at UNE, allows students to open their minds to all 51С�Ƴ�has to offer...I think if people were able to see all the things that students are involved with at UNE, they would have their minds blown because we explore so many different ranges of possibilities and interests. There's always something amazing going on at UNE.”