Learn Why One UD Degree Wasn't Enough for Rachel Roday

“I initially enrolled at the University of Delaware because it was perfect for me with a large enough campus – but small enough student body – far enough away from home so that I would be on my own, excellent classes and opportunities in my intended major, and at a price point that my parents and I could afford.

Following the completion of my bachelor’s degrees, I left UD to pursue a master’s at another university. After three semesters, it was clear that it was not a good fit for me, and UD was my home. I was excited to return to UD, where I knew I would be supported by the faculty and have access to unique opportunities.

The Summer Scholars and Semester-in-Residence programs in Lewes were the most beneficial, rewarding and fun experiences I had as an undergraduate. I'm happy to return to Lewes as a graduate student in the Hale Laboratory. My work focuses on tracking American shad, a diadromous fish, in the upper Delaware Bay using acoustic telemetry. I’ll also be using stable isotope analysis to investigate resource use and diet in the Delaware Bay. After I graduate and defend my thesis, I hope to do similar applied conservation research or work in fisheries management for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

College is what you make of it, but graduate school is more about faculty-student relations. UD has fantastic faculty who are extremely supportive and clearly communicate with students. The College of Earth, Ocean and Environment faculty members make UD feel like a warm community.”

- Rachel Roday