Haley Swanger
A spring 2023 environmental resource science graduate with a passion for the natural world, Swanger hopes to forge a career educating others about their environmental impact.
Where are you from, and why did you choose to study at CAES?
I’m from Canton, Georgia. I chose to study at CAES because it offered the environmental resource science major, which I thought best aligned with my goals post-graduation.
Why did you choose your field of study?
I took AP Environmental Science during high school and had an excellent teacher, Jon Gustin, who showed me the importance of good environmental stewardship and sustainability in general, which got me excited about the prospect of studying in this field.
I was recently awarded the Outstanding Senior Award for being the top environmental resource science major, which was a really gratifying experience.
What has been your favorite course?
My favorite course has been my sustainability certificate capstone. It was my first time doing a semester-long project working with many different stakeholders in an environment that extended beyond the classroom.
What are you currently working on, and what is the end goal of the project?
My current project for my sustainability capstone is working on waste in waterways. Our goal is to teach the general public about UGA’s trash traps and how people impact waste in waterways.
UGA’s trash traps are floating devices that catch any waste material floating down the streams, which are periodically cleaned out before the data is analyzed. You can see one outside of Bolton Dining Commons and another outside the Office of Sustainability in the Chicopee Complex.
You’ve also been able to get involved in Georgia 4-H as an educator at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center – what has that experience been like?
Working at Rock Eagle with Georgia 4-H has been a life-changing experience, mainly because I did not realize the impact of educating children about environmental topics until I got to see firsthand how excited students were to learn and engage with me.
I teach all kinds of different classes, ones about herpetology (reptiles and amphibians), ornithology (birds), watersheds and more.
As an environmental educator at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Haley Swanger teaches youth about animals like the hognose snake (pictured).
As an environmental educator at Rock Eagle 4-H Center, Haley Swanger teaches youth about animals like the hognose snake (pictured).
One of my favorite classes to teach is probably herpetology because the students always have a really fascinating reaction to our ambassador snakes. I don't think of them as scary, but we always get that reaction. But by the end of the class, I'm able to get everyone to at least touch one of our ambassador snakes.
Outside of teaching, I also help kids through activities — hiking, canoeing and other outdoor activities like that — and help with camp maintenance when needed.
Swanger checks out the mountain view while studying abroad in Austria.
Swanger checks out the mountain view while studying abroad in Austria.
Swanger stands with classmates in front of a huge trash heap while working toward completion of her capstone course.
Swanger stands with classmates in front of a huge trash heap while working toward completion of her capstone course.
Swanger poses with the Ag Dawg sign on UGA's South Campus.
Swanger poses with the Ag Dawg sign on UGA's South Campus.
Swanger shows off a snake at Rock Eagle 4-H Center.
Swanger shows off a snake at Rock Eagle 4-H Center.
Swanger and her coworkers at Rock Eagle clean up one of the 4-H center's trails.
Swanger and her coworkers at Rock Eagle clean up one of the 4-H center's trails.
As an environmental educator, Swanger teaches courses about reptiles, birds and other animals.
As an environmental educator, Swanger teaches courses about reptiles, birds and other animals.
What has been the best experience you've had so far at college?
I got to study abroad in Vienna, Austria, at BOKU, which is a college specializing in natural resource and life sciences.
While there, I focused on sustainability in the social sphere, which was a really interesting new perspective for my education. I spent six months going to classes, exploring Europe with new friends and learning more about my major from a new perspective.
Who has been your favorite professor?
My favorite professor is Associate Professor Anish Malladi in the Department of Horticulture. He teaches “Fruit Production” and “Plant Physiology” and I appreciate his passion for the subject.
How has your experience at UGA changed you?
I’ve grown a lot during my time at UGA. I’m more confident in my abilities, and I’m a pro at time management and communication now.
I’ve gotten a lot of experience in voicing and advocating for my opinions, and I feel a lot more comfortable talking to big groups. I feel well-prepared moving forward, especially in my ability to manage projects and communicate across different audiences.
What do you want to do with what you have learned at CAES?
I have two possible pathways I’m currently exploring. One is environmental consulting to help businesses assess sustainable solutions for their businesses, and the other would be to continue my environmental education work at 4-H.
It will depend on what kinds of opportunities come my way and what I feel is my best path forward.
What would you most like the public to understand about your field of study?
Conserving resources and putting forward sustainable initiatives is incredibly important for allowing future generations to put their best foot forward.
What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
I have a bearded dragon named Godzilla who is near and dear to my heart, so I spend a lot of time hanging out with her. I also enjoy anything outdoors and spending time with friends and other people who I’m close with.
Interested in becoming a CAES student?
Schedule a campus visit and learn more about the admissions process today.
CAES students work alongside world-class scientists to get hands-on experience in their field. Through scholarship opportunities, small class sizes and faculty support, CAES students are empowered to become the next generation of leaders.
Built with Shorthand