Zoe Pavlik: Outstanding Graduating Student

Zoe Pavlik of Durham, New Hampshire, is the Outstanding Graduating Student in the College of Earth, Life, and Health Sciences. She is a double major in ecology and environmental science and wildlife ecology and is also a member of the Honors College. During her time at the University of Maine, she completed an honors thesis titled “Does urbanization surrounding stopping sites affect migratory behavior in American Woodcock (Scolopax minor)?” Pavlik has also been involved with research involving rockweed food webs and insect biomechanics. She is a New England Outdoor Writers Association scholarship recipient and received the Ashman/Demeritt scholarship. After graduating, Pavlik plans to explore employment as a field tech and gain additional research experience. 

Why did you choose to come to UMaine?
I remember visiting campus as a senior in high school, right before everything shut down due to the pandemic. Even though things were hectic on campus, the university had set up some tours to show accepted students around before everything was locked down. I remember how, in the midst of that stressful time, everyone was so kind and welcoming. There were lots of reasons to come to UMaine; it worked out well financially, geographically and in terms of the school’s program for my field of study. But what made me feel much more excited to come here was that campus atmosphere I’d seen on my tour!

How would you describe the academic atmosphere at UMaine?
I had a variety of opportunities to choose from, which let me take a path that interested me. My programs of environmental science and wildlife ecology emphasized the chance to learn field research skills. There were also some really great professors in my field who were kind and approachable, which let me get to know them and build relationships.

Describe any research, internships or scholarly pursuits in which you have participated, as well as awards and honors. How have they prepared you for future opportunities in your chosen field?
I’ve had the chance to participate in research on campus studying Rockweed food webs and insect biomechanics. I also completed a remote internship on the Rockweed project one summer, gained field experience through research-intensive classes in my major and completed an honors thesis during my senior year. These experiences helped me gain research and field skills and allowed me to learn what the research process looks like. I’ve won some awards as well, most recently the New England Outdoor Writers Association scholarship and the Ashman scholarship.

Beyond academics, what extracurricular activities have occupied your time?
I’ve participated in a lot of musical groups on campus, which have been a big part of my UMaine experience. I was in marching band and orchestra every year and took private instrument lessons. I’ve also been in a smaller chamber group for the past few years. I joined Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Service Fraternity to serve UMaine’s bands and be a part of the band community.

Have you worked closely with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at UMaine better, and if so, how?
I’ve worked with a couple of professors at UMaine, including Professor Blomberg, my thesis advisor, who has been so great about helping me through the thesis process and teaching me about the world of scientific research. Professor Ruskin, who I worked with in my major and as an MLA, was also very supportive and helped me access lots of opportunities during my time at UMaine.

Did you have an experience at UMaine that shaped or changed how you see the world?
My experience in my first couple of years of college during the pandemic definitely shaped my worldview. It was a challenge to see how much the world I was used to could change and to try to adapt to those changes while also adapting to being away from home for the first time. In the end, I wish that I was able to have a normal first year of college, but I also feel like I learned about my own ability to be independent and adaptable and that I gained resilience.

Describe UMaine in one word and explain.
I would describe UMaine as flexible because there’s a lot of opportunities to shape your own experience and find classes, activities and experiences that appeal to a range of interests.

What are your plans for after you graduate?
After I graduate, I plan to take a few years to try out some field tech jobs and get more research experience. I’ll decide from there whether I feel like grad school is right for me.

Contact: Shelby Hartin, shelby.hartin@maine.edu