Hi my name is Payton and I am a senior majoring in Biology with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation and a minor in Marine Science! (Concentrations are something I can explain in further detail if you tour with me). I also participate in campus extracurriculars like intramural sports and country swing club, I have even participated in research in one of the on-campus labs! Since I am going on my fourth year here at State I know all the ins-and-outs and I would love to help you learn more about the school and all it has to offer!

Hometown

Moyock​/​OBX, NC

Major(s)

Biology: Ecology, Evolution, & Conservation

Minor(s)

Marine Science

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Intramural volleyball, intramural soccer, country swing dance club, heels and high tops dance club, red terrors soccer fan club, and the Ramirez Lab.

Describe your college experience

Freshman year was a tough adjustment, but once I got through the weed-out classes and found my footing my experience has been great!

Tip for future students

Take advantage of all the resources offered! NC State has a really useful tutoring center as well as a center focused solely on Chemistry help. Each major has its own associated tools but there really is just so much to utilize! The Career Counseling center is also extremely under-rated when it comes to preparing for interviews and entering the workforce. Free classes at the gym are also a great way to meet people and get moving, something I wish I knew about sooner!

Favorite class

My favorite class was Organic Chemistry (I know, surprising right?) all because of my professor, Dr. Varner. He was so passionate about teaching and you could tell he really truly wanted to be there, his energy was infectious. I have had several great experiences with professors like Intro to Archeology with Professor Grossman, or any class with Dr. Hopkins or Dr. McKenney. Teachers really make or break the class and luckily NC State has lots of professors who are passionate about what they do.

Career goals

I hope to work in the areas of animal, marine, and environmental conservation whether that be through NOAA, the EPA, other governmental agencies, or private organizations.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a night in is to meet up with friends at one of our apartments, get some food, and either watch a movie or have a bonfire. The best way to spend a night out is to have my girl friends over to all get ready together and have our own little dance party before heading out to check out a cute spot downtown or take a quick trip to see the nightlife in surrounding areas like Chapel Hill or Durham.

High school or secondary school

I attended Academia Britannica Cuscatleca in San Salvador, El Salvador and graduated from Currituck County High School in Barco, NC.

Previous college

N​/​A