Danielle Slater '27, Undergraduate Student Spotlight
Danielle Slater '27, from Yorktown, VA, is a B.S. marine, estuarine and freshwater biology. Danielle shared her experience as an undergraduate student in COLSA. She is one of COLSA's ambassadors for the 2025-26 academic year.
Why did you choose UNH?
As an out-of-state student, I was drawn to UNH's wide variety of opportunities and student resources. I was interested in the New England area because it was the one of the only regions in the United States that I hadn't visited. Compared to the southern universities closer to my home state, UNH has a much smaller, close-knit community. Both the campus and downtown Durham are very walkable, and I found that very appealing when I was a prospective student.
Compared to other schools, the undergraduate programs offered at UNH were more aligned with my interests. The MEFB major has provided me with the opportunity to study marine and freshwater biology simultaneously, while other schools generally offered them as two separate majors. Additionally, UNH's geographic location between the Gulf of Maine and the Great Bay Estuary creates numerous opportunities for studying different habitats.
What is your major and what do you love about it?
I am a Marine, Estuarine, and Freshwater Biology major. I have always been fascinated by the ocean, and I am extremely passionate about aquatic conservation. At UNH, I've had the opportunity to gain hands-on lab experience through my courses, and this year I am beginning multiple research projects. The professors and faculty I've met through this program have shown me endless support, and my experiences at UNH would not be the same without them.
What's the best academic experience you've had at UNH?
My involvement in the Peer Led Team Learning program has been one of the best academic experiences I've had at UNH. When I was a freshman, being a student in this program helped me find my footing as I adjusted to college life. Now, I am a coordinator for the PLTL program, and I am gaining valuable leadership experience through this position. Additionally, being involved in the PLTL program provided me with more connections within the COLSA community.
What's the best experience you've had at UNH outside the classroom/lab?
I have met so many incredible people during my time at UNH. Due to the small campus size, it's not uncommon to run into people I know in between classes or during trips to the MUB Dunkin'. I've met a lot of friends through socializing at student organizations. As someone who grew up constantly moving across the US, I'm used to having long-distance friends. At UNH, it's really nice to have so many friends all living in the same area.
How is UNH preparing you to achieve your goals?
A life lesson I've learned during my time at UNH is that it's okay to ask for help. I'm generally a very independent person, and I prefer figuring things out on my own. When I started attending UNH as a freshman, I quickly realized that learning from my peers is crucial to achieving my goals, and that it's okay to admit any weak spots in my knowledge. I've learned so much from my classmates, and asking for help has greatly benefitted me during my time at UNH.
Please share one unique or interesting fact about yourself.
I enjoy writing poetry in my spare time, and my poems have been featured in UNH's Main Street Magazine!
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