Class of 2009, Wildlife Management Major

A wildlife management major with a computer science minor, Jeanette Warren sees nothing but opportunity wherever she goes. And she’s gone far.

Born to international educators, Jeanette lived and attended school in San Diego, Calif.; her mother’s native Lebanon, where her parents live now; Saudi Arabia; and Switzerland, where she graduated from the American School.

Jeanette originally wanted to be a veterinarian, which led her to The University of Findlay. She quickly realized, however, that her heart was with wildlife management and computer science. “Maybe I’ll be a research biologist or a microbiologist, or I’ll design Web pages or do programming.  Hopefully, I’ll find something that combines the two,” she said.

Since her first semester, Jeanette has been enrolled in the Honors program at UF. It has given her multiple opportunities to challenge herself academically and increase hands-on learning experiences. Thus far, she has completed two three-credit-hour Honors courses, Windows on Wildlife and a biodiversity class.

During Windows on Wildlife, Jeanette and fellow students spent the night at the Toledo Zoo to participate in behavior enrichment activities with wolves and polar bears. Another activity, at the Cincinnati Zoo, gave students the opportunity to spend a night in a manatee exhibit and work with zookeepers the next day.

The biodiversity class was structured more like an independent study. Jeanette said it helped her develop independent study tools and structure. “The Honors program helps you learn to work on your own, away from people always being there, supporting you.” She currently is enrolled in Honors herpetology, the study of reptiles and amphibians.

Jeanette speaks highly of the faculty at UF. “Dr. [Michael] Homsher was never hesitant to offer help. He’d take time out in class when someone asked a question. It’s important to him that his students learn in his class.”

She also appreciates her academic adviser, associate professor of English Marianna Hofer. “She’s a good source of encouragement when I’m away from home. Since I don’t get to talk to my parents more than once a month, it’s nice to have someone here to give me encouragement and be excited about things with me – like a good G.P.A. or a good grade on a test.”

Although Jeanette isn’t entirely sure where her education and her aspirations will take her, she does know that she plans to stay in Ohio for at least a few years. She recently became engaged to Josh Smith, another UF student and Ohio native. The couple plans to be married in Lebanon in December 2008 and in the United States in June 2009.

Jeanette is looking forward to her future, which includes continuing her education. “The work you do in school will last you the rest of your life. It’s exciting to think that it will be a lifelong experience.”