Program Highlighted | Evolutionary Biology
Interview with | Amanda Ferrao
Date | February 2007

Interview | Amanda Ferrao

Mandy is an Innis College fifth year Evolutionary Biology specialist Student.

Innis: Would you introduce yourself?
Mandy: My name is Amanda Ferrao, I’m in an Evolutionary Biology Specialist. It is what it sounds like, the evolution of species. I’m particularly interested in parasites. Alongside evolutionary courses, I’ve taken Biology courses, Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, and Parasitology.

Innis: What attracted you to study Evolutionary Biology?
Mandy: In my second year when I had to decide my subject post I was in a Molecular Genetics program, which didn’t really interest me mainly because I didn’t like Biochemistry which is a big part of genetics. I came to the registrar’s office and made an appointment to talk to one of the advisors here, Donald. When he asked me what kind of things I liked about first year Biology, I told him that it was the section about the ice age that interests me the most. So he asked me if I liked evolution, and I have never thought about it before, so I started think about it and in third year I switched to Evolutionary Biology. I discovered that I was in love with the program, which is the most important thing when it comes to deciding what program to pursue.

Innis: Did you ever think of combining Evolutionary Biology with other programs? What & why?
Mandy: I don’t think so. Evolutionary Biology Specialist is general, there’s a lot of room to take a lot of interdisciplinary courses; I have taken anything from Greek mythology to Roman history, Archeology and Astronomy courses.

Innis: What aspects of the program do you find fascinating or inspiring – curriculum, professors, practical experience, field courses?
Mandy: Professors definitely. When you’re taking a course, the thing that most interests me is knowing that the professor is interested in what he’s talking about and engaged in his research. I have had some bad professors, who actually told the class that they don’t like teaching! It definitely helps because their enthusiasm is contagious. For example, my seminar course this year is, on the one hand a lot of work – writing a 6-page essay every week and preparing a presentation in the weeks that I don’t – but on the other hand, the professor’s love for their work is very encouraging. One professor stands out, my supervisor, Professor Brooks, who works in Parasitelogy – which is primarily what I’m interested in – is a good example of such enthusiastic and knowledgeable professors in the program.

Innis: How would you rate the facilities and opportunities offered by this program in the University of Toronto?
Mandy: The department of Zoology has now been combined with the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology – EBB – I think they’re slowly trying to weed out Evolutionary Biology, because there has been a reduction of courses offered this year. I have been lucky enough to take most of these courses in the past, but it’s unfortunate that future generations will not have that chance. They’re condensing the programs and combining them instead of expanding them.

Innis: Of all the courses in this program you have takes so far, which one did you enjoy the most and why? How did the class size or frequency of the interaction with the professor affect how you rated the course?
Mandy: That’s a hard question, considering this is my fifth year. Even though I’m in evolutionary biology, I recommend astronomy courses; I think it’s very important to be a well-rounded student. I’m a science fiction nut, so that’s another reason. I like the mythology courses, physical chemistry courses, and the paristology course was very difficult but very good overall. My favorite though, is Professor Brooks’ class – Macro Evolutionary Studies. I love working with him and his area of expertise is what I’m interested in.

Innis: So how is the field course organized? How is it different from the Study Abroad/Exchange program?
Mandy: It usually happens over reading week and you have to ballot for it. Usually, it comes up early in the year; they ask you if you would like to participate in the field course, and tell you what it entails. If anyone is interested, just check the EEB website [http://www.eeb.utoronto.ca/students/prospective.cfm] and they’ll have a date for the information sessions. There are quite a few field courses, and it is sometimes mandatory for some programs. There is a cost of course, it depends on where you go, but if you could afford it, it’s definitely worth it. It a great way to learn about a new culture, because you’re not doing research the whole time, you go out and experience the culture.

Innis: What extracurricular activities have you been involved with on campus since coming to UofT?
Mandy: I don’t remember doing much on campus, other than going to the Hart House gym, which is great. But I do work.

Innis: Given your heavy course load and work that you are involved with, how did you manage to organize your time?
Mandy: This year is more relaxed, because I am only taking two courses – a research project and a seminar course. It is hard, but when comes down to it, school is my first priority.

Innis: Of all your achievements here at UofT, which one are you most proud of?
Mandy: I participated in a poster competition last year, and I came in second, when I wasn’t expecting anything at all. Also, I was able to get published in a biogeography journal. And I have another manuscript in progress too. In my opinion, especially in the sciences, the currency is publication. My advice is finding a good professor to work with and to try to get more publications out.

Innis: As a student in this field, you might have researched the job market. What kinds of employment opportunities are there?
Mandy: For any science, there are tons of opportunities. After undergraduate school, you can look for a job right away, you can do further studies like nursing, graduate school and of course a lot of people go into med-school. In general, for finding places where to work, it’s all about networking and who you know.

Innis: What type of career are you interested in developing in the future?
Mandy: My plan is doing graduate school in Arizona State University, which is a 5-year plan. It’s kind of scary because you think you know what you’re doing but it’s a big commitment. I’m going be studying Malaria, so the Centre for Disease Control is definitely an option. So really there are tons of opportunities out there.

Innis: What steps are you taking to assist you in achieving these goals?
Mandy: Obtaining my PhD and networking.

Innis: Are there any other things you would like to say to Innis students?
Mandy: If you think you want to do something, and then it turns out that it’s not what you want to do, don’t freak out, you’re not on a schedule, you’ll eventually find out what you love. And to help you do that, talk to an academic/career counselor they’re really helpful!

On behalf of Innis College, I would like to thank you for coming and giving us your time.

For furher information about the program in University of Toronto and beyond, click here.