For Lindsey McVay, the opportunity to study in Hawaii meant fulfilling a lifelong dream.
"I have always dreamt about working with marine mammals, specifically whales, since I can remember," McVay said.
The senior fisheries and wildlife major from Crystal Lake, Illinois is currently studying at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu. One of her current courses is Marine Mammal Biology, which involves whale watching for lab assignments.
"I have done so much in the time that I've been here," McVay said. "My favorite thing that's happened so far was seeing Humpback Whales off of Keiki beach on the North Shore. It's amazing how lucky I was to be so close to these amazingly large animals."
McVay lives just five minutes from the beach, so whenever she's not in class, she's catching some waves or exploring Hawaii's diverse landscape.
"My friends and I recently saw Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins just off the shore, which was so cool," she said. "There are so many things to do here – I am never bored. I've been on a bunch of hikes including Diamond Head, which is a big volcanic crater just past Waikiki, and Manoa Valley Waterfall hike."
All of these adventures have reinforced McVay's longstanding interest in marine biology.
"I chose a semester in Hawaii because I would be able to study marine biology," McVay said. "Hawaii has been a life-changing experience. I would definitely recommend studying outside of UNL for a semester."
Sara Winn, SNR undergraduate adviser, said that it was always clear where McVay's heart lies.
"I could tell right away that despite going to college in landlocked Nebraska, Lindsey's true passion is to study marine biology," Winn said. "Her eyes light up when she talks about it. It has been wonderful watching her achieve this goal in Hawaii."
Upon returning to Nebraska, McVay said she's looking forward to building upon all that she's learned – both in Hawaii and at SNR.
"I really enjoy the people that I get to interact with in the School of Natural Resources," she said. "The school is filled with a ton of different people who all have unique careers in mind, and we get to share our goals with each other. Also, I really enjoy the class atmospheres and relationships between the professors and students."
McVay has taken two courses, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, with Mark Pegg, fisheries ecologist and associate professor.
"When I first met Lindsey, she was a bit unsure about handling fish and other aquatic life," Pegg said. "Fast forward a couple years and she is now following her dream of working with marine mammals in Hawaii."
McVay plans to graduate in December 2015, and she's confident that she's well-equipped for the working world.
"Having chosen SNR, I think I have been well-prepared in many different areas of science," she said. "I experienced biology, environmental sciences, along with courses in fisheries and wildlife. I have knowledge in a lot of different topics, which will help me when trying to find a job after graduation."
As for what that job might be, McVay said she has a few ideas in mind.
"I am hoping to move to California post-graduation and get a job working in a large aquarium with marine mammals or working on a vessel relating to whale research and identifying," she said. "I have thought about graduate school. I would most likely come back to Hawaii due to the opportunities that are given for marine biology."
No matter where the future leads, for McVay, one thing is quite certain: whales will be involved.
"My ultimate goal is to swim with whales in the wild," she said.
— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources