If you’re a science major, maybe you’ve heard of senior Kate Jackson. She’s a teaching assist for BIO 120, Molecular and Cellular Foundations.
Kate, a zoology major, wanted to be a TA because she didn’t have enough upper division credits after transferring to Oswego for her junior year. The idea also appealed to her because in the future, she would like to teach biology or science classes.
One of the benefits of being a TA for Kate is she gets to have a feel for teaching. It helps with public speaking skills. She can get to know some of the professors better on a one-on-one level, which could help with networking in the future.
On being a TA, Kate said, “I do enjoy being able to help others, whether they’re younger or olderthan I; it makes me feel good to know that I helped make some idea or thought click for them and they can now understand the concept.”
Kate has had five internships that will help her in the future and could help the students she is a TA for, in case they have questions. Three have been at the Buffalo Zoo, one at the Aquarium of Niagara and one at the Primate Sanctuary. While at the Buffalo Zoo, Kate was able to work with animals of all species. She also got to spend a lot of time in the reptile house, where she gained a lot of experience and came to love the reptile species. “From each one of my internships I got to see a lot of unique things,and do things most people only dream about, such as bathing elephants.”
After graduation, Kate plans on applying to different zoological facilities and aquariums. Her dream job and main goal is to become head of a reptile department of a large zoo. She also plans on going to grad school, but in a few years. As of right now, Kate does not want to teach, but she doesn’t rule the idea out completely. “I plan onteaching later on in life, as a type of mellowed out kind of job.”
When she’s not helping out students or working on her intense work load, Kate likes to read and be outside. During the summer months, she likes to go canoeing in a creek by her parents house, or go sailing on Lake Ontario.