Biological Sciences: Ecology and Evolution
College Park Scholars-Science and Global Change Program


Testudo and I became best friends at the University of Maryland v. University of Buffalo 2022 football game!
< Email:ashleyi8@terpmail.umd.edu

My name is Ashley Ireland and I am an undergraduate student here at the University of Maryland! When I was 11 years old, I was very fortunate to go Polo Beach in Maui, Hawaii. In the water infront of me was a giant, beautiful Leatherback Sea Turtle. I immeadiately ran into the water, and I swam next to it for so long - with too much salt water in my eyes - that I ended up at a completely different beach. Being so close to the turtle, I could've reached out and touched it. This was the most surreal and special moment of my life, and everyday I wish I could go back in time and relive it. As I grew older, I learned about how the environment is horiffically changing, and along with that change comes the endangerment of Sea Turtles. My goal is to work in conservation biology and ecology to work on protecting Sea Turtle habitats, so anyone can have the same experience I did, and not have to hear or learn about Sea Turtles as an extinct, distant memory. They are magnificent organisms with fascinating ecology, and it is our job as a society to give them the life they deserve!

In Science and Global Change, I can learn about how the climate is changing, along with the harsh consequences. I can apply this knowledge later to develop ideas, strategies and educational opportunities toward conserving marine habitats. Here at the University of Maryland, there are many opportunities to work with aquatic research, due to the proximity of the Chesapeake Bay, to help farther my understanding of environmental change and its effects.


SGC Gallery and On-Line Projects:

External Links:
My Adopted Sea Turtle...Allison!

Department of Biology: Ecology and Evolution Major