Stephanie Donovan

Stephanie Donovan

Class Of 2025

Being a Behavioral Biology major at Hopkins has allowed me to explore my intersts in understanding the balance between nature and nurture— how much much of who we are is shaped by our genetics versus our environment.

Coming to Hopkins, I was particularly curious about this question, and found that courses in this department were both fascinating and intellectually challenging. This ultimately led me to declare Behavioral Biology as my major. Since then, I have benefited from a wealth for resources and support, from engaging professors and supportive peers to enriching extracurricular opportunities. 

A key focus of the Behavioral Biology major is preparation and application, particularly for students interested in graduate studies or careers in health and related fields. I was fortunate to participate in two study-abroad courses that expanded my academic perspective on topics such as behavior and ecology.

I studied Tropical Biology and Evolution in Ecuador (Check out my experiences in Ecuador!) and completed an experimental research course investigating reptilian endoparasites in Honduras (Check out my experiences in Honduras!)

These courses allowed me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world settings, strengthening my confidence as a biologist. My experience in the Behavioral Biology department has enriched my time at Hopkins, shaping both my research interests and future career aspirations.