Studying Evolution... in Sweden?Sweden may not seem a likely place for a biology major to study abroad. But as one student found, a simple summer job can lead to a new scientific focus and passion.
by Nina Nowshiravani, UC Davis
When I left UC Davis after spring finals to attend university in southern Sweden I was just another EAP biology student. I never dreamed that I’d return to California a passionate researcher in evolutionary studies. I spent my first summer at Lund University learning the language and continued the academic year with courses in biology, ecology, and evolution. But I didn’t let my adventure end there. As my wonderful year abroad in Sweden came closer to an end, I took it upon myself to make sure the experience lasted as long as possible. My second summer in Sweden encouraged more journal entries in my daily diary. But staying in the country wasn’t as easy as I thought. Extending my student visa wasn’t as hard as trying to find something productive to do. Although inconceivable by American work standards, Swedes take months off from work to enjoy the short—yet sweet—summer. I, on the other hand, began to network within the university town to try to get a sommarjob (summer job). For many local high school students, the sommarjob is usually a part-time position in the local supermarket (one of the very few stores open during the summer) or at some place like the world-famous IKEA—founded by a Swede. However, I was determined to find a job in the academic world. Luck was on my side and I landed a research position that changed my life. I know it sounds like an old cliché (kind of like love at first sight) but what I did that summer changed my course of studies and plans for the future. I know it sounds like an old cliché (kind of like love at first sight) but what I did that summer changed my course of studies and plans for the future. Lucky for me, the researcher I assisted had completed his post-doctoral studies at UC Santa Cruz and was eager to take a Californian under his wing. What kind of research? This is the very question my family in California (who were longing for my return) wanted answered. Unlike most research jobs, I was not in a lab, nor was I wearing protective gloves. I didn’t even have to be inside! My summer research in Sweden consisted of studying damselflies (sister taxa to the larger dragonflies). My new position was located near a picturesque creek surrounded by serenity and wildlife (with the occasional mosquito or two). But it couldn’t have been any better. Not only was I able to stay in Sweden, but I also became involved in dynamic research studying evolution in situ. My interest in this field grew so great that upon my return to the States I changed my major to Evolution & Ecology! I couldn’t believe my college years would soon become a memory. I started making plans to return to Sweden the following summer to supervise a project of my own with the professor I assisted—who had become an invaluable source of information and guidance for me. |
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harles Darwin, considered by many the founder of evolutionary
thought, is famous for his discoveries in the tropical Galapagos
Islands. So… what was I doing studying evolution in sub-arctic
Scandinavia? Well, contrary to popular belief, polar bears
do not roam the streets of Sweden. In fact, it was there that
I found my inspiration to continue in Darwin’s extraordinary
footsteps.
