Pair of Honors College Students Gain Valuable Knowledge Through Research, Internship

Two students in the Honors College at East Texas A&M University have gained valuable experience and insights through a transformative internship at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico.

Different paths to the same major

Mykah Gallaher and Vanessa Luviano, a pair of Wildlife and Conservation Science majors and Honors College students, arrived at their current major from vastly different backgrounds.

Gallaher, a junior from Poolville, Texas, grew up immersed in the outdoors on her family's farm. She gained a love of animals and nature and learned of East Texas A&M from an alum in the area.

“My family has always loved the outdoors,” Gallaher said. “I believe that the Lord called us to steward what we have been given, and I feel like my degree can prepare me for that.”

Luviano, on the other hand, grew up in Dallas in an urban environment, but knew she wanted to work with animals.

“I gained a love of biology and animals,” Luviano said. “I hadn't heard of what was then called A&M-Commerce, but received an invitation to attend Mane Event, and as soon as I arrived, it felt like I had found a home.”

A community of scholars

The pair were both accepted into the Honors College. Founded in 2007 to create a residential learning community of honors scholars, it brings together a cohort of exceptional students to learn, experience and grow together. It also provides housing and financial assistance to those admitted to the program. During their studies, Honors College students complete a capstone project, which involves either a thesis or an internship

While majoring in the same discipline, the two students each have their own areas of interest for their thesis project. Gallaher is researching elk migration in the Valles Caldera, while Luviano is studying ectoparasite presence in San Clemente Island foxes. Luviano says that they brainstormed their plans for research during a thesis seminar course at East Texas A&M.

“We really put a lot of thought into choosing our thesis topics,” Luviano said.

Gallaher added: “The opportunity to intern at Bandelier was thanks to the connections of our thesis advisor at East Texas A&M, Dr. Pedro Chavarria.”

In the field

Bandelier was founded in 1916 near Los Alamos, New Mexico, and features, among other attractions, preserved pueblo structures dating back nearly 900 years. The area covers 33,000 acres, with more than two-thirds designated as the Bandelier Wilderness Area.

Both students believe that their time at Bandelier has been well spent. Gallaher worked under the supervision of Bandelier biologist Sarah Milligan for the last eight weeks. Luviano, who also worked under Milligan contributed to a range of wildlife monitoring and habitat management efforts, while also securing a further four-week internship at the San Clemente Institute for Wildlife Studies in California before the beginning of the fall semester. The pair even presented their research and internship experience to a gathered audience at the Los Alamos Nature Center in early July.

“I am very excited to return to Commerce in the fall and apply the skills I've learned toward the rest of my studies,” Gallaher said. “This internship has taught me to be more proactive and how to best analyze data.”

Luviano agreed, saying “I feel like what I've learned this summer has helped prepare me to continue my studies in graduate school.”

A supportive community

They both believe that their experiences in the Honors College have prepared them for success and allowed them access to opportunities they wouldn't have as a typical student.

“The Honors College helps make the unattainable, attainable,” Gallaher said. “There are so many support resources to help you succeed.”

These sentiments were echoed by Luviano.

“I love the community-oriented approach that the Honors College takes with its students,” she said. “It's a great network of support.”

See a recording of Gallaher and Luviano's recent presentation here.

Featured Photo: From left, Honors College students Mykah Gallaher and Vanessa Luviano. | Photo courtesy of Mykah Gallaher.