Sheryl Mallon

I am a student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, completing a BSc in Biology. I am a lover of sports, fitness and outdoor activities such as running, hiking, camping and kayaking. I also love to read and write. I am eager to travel the world and to explore many different cultures and experiences. In 2019 I hope to mix work and travel, so that I can improve myself professionally while simultaneously exploring new boundaries.

After graduating from my undergraduate program, I plan to get a master's degree in environmental science or public health with a collaborative specialization in international development studies. My current career goal is to work for a large scale organization or company that aims to make a difference across the world. I can see myself working in a research or educational role. I would find deep gratification from a job that would allow me to experience, first-hand, how my work influences people's lives and well-being in different areas of the world.

Two people in the science community who have inspired me are both passionate about communicating science to the public. The first is naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. Widely known for his narration of the documentary series Planet Earth, Attenborough has been an advocate for the understanding and conservation of the natural world for decades. He took up the "People's Seat" at the 2018 United Nations Climate Change Conference, acting as a link between the public and policy-makers at the meeting. The other effective science communicator who I have recently become impressed with is Robert Irwin. At only fifteen years old, Robert is carrying on his father's legacy. He educates the public about many animal species and advocates for their conservation through photography, a series of books, talk show appearances, and his own reality TV show featuring himself and his family caring for animals at the Australia Zoo.

I am inspired by passionate and effective communicators who use creative platforms to educate the world. I would be honoured to pursue a career in which I can utilize education to make a difference in the world.