Name

Angela Rovnyak

School

Youngstown State University

Degree Program

Second year Master of Science student in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Biology (2010)

Thesis Topic

Sympatric Speciation in Hawkmoths

Research Interests

Entomology

Advisor

Ian Renne

Advisor’s Research Focus

Chemical ecology

Hobbies

Knitting

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I selected Youngstown State University for my masters degree in biology primarily because of its proximity to my grandparents. I wanted to be close enough to visit them often.

The opportunity to research ecology under the rubric of Youngstown's biology program also appealed to me. Ecology is the study of insects, but it has interdisciplinary ties to oncology, neurobiology, microbiology and even behavioral science. I took an ecology course while I was an undergraduate, and I found the science fascinating.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

I took some undergraduate coursework in the subject area and developed a broad understanding of ecology and lab work. These tools are critical for the program. For example, one ecology lab might focus on insect genetics, while another may conduct neuro-electrophysiological studies. In my lab, an understanding of chemical signaling is essential. The broader a student's experience, the more likely he or she will succeed at the graduate level.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

No, my application did not require GRE test scores, although I chose to take the GRE anyway. I spent very little time preparing for the test but still managed to score in the 90th percentile.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my letters of recommendation, I approached my undergraduate ecology and neurobiology professors, in whose classes I excelled and, more importantly, who I was on friendly terms with. Students should ask for recommendation letters from professors who they have been able to get to know personally. Those professors will be able to speak with the most enthusiasm about you.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in biology?

Yes, I recommend that interested students look at faculty webpages and find a few professorial papers to read. Then students should try to contact the authoring faculty by phone or e-mail to speak with them about their research. Professors love to chat about their research, and those sorts of conversations will cement a student's name in their minds.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My program requires 2 years of coursework, but much of my time will be spent teaching. The university accepted me on an assistantship, which means that the university employs me as a teacher and waives my tuition, pays me a stipend and removes a few class requirements for graduation.

I will also spend a portion of this time working on my thesis. In fact, I just started writing my thesis proposal and introduction.

What is the focus of your masters research?

My masters degree research will focus on the sympatric speciation of hawkmoths, which is the study of how the genomes of the hawkmoth species gradually diverge within the same geographical region. The genetic research will include a component of behavioral study too. My undergraduate studies involved research into neuroendocrinology, which made the topic an easy choice. In fact, I chose it before I even entered this program.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your thesis?

My research will probably include an electrophysiological study to test hawkmoth reactions to certain plants and a close examination of mating behaviors. I am really excited to do this research, but I feel daunted that I have only 2 years to get it all done.

Does your program have a practicum component?

Yes, I am here on an assistantship, which requires me to teach 4 undergraduate biology labs for the university. I started teaching in the same week that I started studying.

I found this opportunity when funding failed to come through for me at another university. Six months before the start of classes, I submitted my application to Youngstown and they accepted me.

One unexpected surprise of this assistantship has been my free time. Most of my research is independent, which leaves me large blocks of time between the biology labs that I teach to study and do my research.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

I selected my advisor because of his research interests and enthusiasm for my research. In fact, he may be more ambitious about my research project than I am. He has been a great asset to my academic career.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your masters program cost?

The university waives my tuition and provides me with a stipend for living expenses. In exchange, I hold a teaching assistantship which requires part-time teaching. I keep my secondary costs low by purchasing my books online and living with my parents.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a masters in biology?

I teach 4 biology labs, but most of my coursework is independent rather than classroom-based. I spend any free time I have reading research for my thesis.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

My graduate studies have made me very anxious about my future. The poor economy has me worried that by the time I graduate, no one will want to fund research that is not in profitable areas, such as pharmaceuticals.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to be working on a PhD, preferably from University of Arizona. I am preparing for this by getting in touch with faculty at the university.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a masters in biology?

I recommend that students who want to get into this field read as much as they can and nurture their passion for this field. So much of this discipline relies on knowledge, but intelligence and knowledge mean very little if someone dislikes what they do every day.

I also advise students who earn masters degrees in biology to look into pesticide companies for employment after graduation. The running joke around my department is that an entomologist is just a biologist with a job. Pesticide companies are biologists’ best bet for translating their education into a career.