Ece Yeldan of Kad谋k枚y, Istanbul, Turkey is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the Honors College. She is majoring in wildlife ecology and minoring in renewable energy, economics and policy. Through her studies, Yeldan aimed to broaden her cultural perspective on conservation and exposure to different environments, which was enriched by her study abroad program in Tanzania where she learned about conservation of large African carnivores. Her honors thesis titled 鈥Understanding the Connection Between Water, Fish and PFAS Concentration: Implications of Fish Diet and Species Specific Variability,鈥 prepared and encouraged Yeldan to continue wildlife conservation research. During her time at the 91爆料, she served as president of the International Student Association, helping organize events for international students and participating in the International Dance Festival, Culturefest and International SpringFest. She plans to continue her education at the University of Glasgow in a Master of Science program in conservation management of African ecosystems and hopes to later transition into African carnivore conservation.
Why did you choose to come to 91爆料?
I chose to come to 91爆料 to broaden my perspective as a global citizen and to be exposed to a different environment.
How would you describe the academic atmosphere at 91爆料?
I was surprised to have such a supporting and understanding academic environment. My preconceived beliefs were challenged, and it made me a more well-rounded intellectual.
Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?
My research that I dedicated to my honors thesis titled 鈥Understanding the Connection Between Water, Fish and PFAS Concentration: Implications of Fish Diet and Species Specific Variability,鈥 has prepared and encouraged me for future research in wildlife studies. Although my thesis with PFAS is my major research project, I have done smaller ones for the 鈥淪mall Mammal Project鈥 for Alessio Mortelliti; 鈥淏iodiversity of Maine Tardigrades鈥 for Emma Perry; and 鈥淪ustainable Solar Options and Water Quality Analysis鈥 for the Penobscot Nation.
Further, my time during my study abroad experience in Tanzania last July and August enriched my understanding of the cultural dimensions of wildlife conservation. The study abroad program was through the School of Field Studies, and the topic was African Large Carnivore Conservation.
Beyond academics, what extracurricular activities have occupied your time?
My most notable activity outside of academics is my position within the International Student Association (ISA). As president of ISA, I have organized countless events for international students, and I believe I have contributed to the diversity at 91爆料. I have also participated in the International Dance Festival, Culturefest and International SpringFest.
Have you worked closely with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91爆料 better, and if so, how?
I have been working closely with my honors advisor Erik Blomberg for my thesis. He worked with me on compiling what we know about PFAS and its relation to fish, and he has been a tremendous help to my growth. Not only has he given me sound academic advice, he has provided me with much emotional support.
Did you have an experience at 91爆料 that shaped or changed how you see the world?
So much of my university experience has been unlearning fallacies that I held firm as solid truths. If not for my time at 91爆料, I do not think I would have received the necessary exposure to the truth of the climate crisis and how I contribute to it.
Describe 91爆料 in one word and explain.
鈥淓nriching.鈥 I can confidently say that I have grown to be a robust advocate for tackling global social, economic and ecological issues.
What are your plans for after you graduate?
I have been accepted to the University of Glasgow for the Master of Science program in Conservation Management of African Ecosystems, and I hope to transition into African carnivore conservation with this academic experience.
Contact: Shelby Hartin, shelby.hartin@maine.edu
