Whether she was cataloging insects in the University's extensive collection, designing educational programs for K-12 students, or leading a high-energy barre class at RecSports, Abigail Jones embodied the interdisciplinary spirit that defines The University of Texas at Austin. As a recent Biology graduate, her journey from uncertain freshman to confident researcher and educator offers valuable lessons for current and future Longhorns about perseverance, exploration, and the power of community.
What is your classification, major, and where are you from? In what programs did you participate at UT Austin?
I am a recent Biology grad from the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) track, and I am from San Antonio, Texas, originally. I have a minor in Spanish and a Bridging Disciplines Certificate in Museum Studies.
Describe any internship/research/work experience you participated in at UT Austin and why this experience was transformative for you.
I was an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the UT Insect Collection, Wildflower Center, and at the plant ecology lab (Wolf Lab). In all these positions, I gained more confidence as an ecologist. I learned how to design experiments by helping maintain large-scale plant ecology field experiments at the Wolf Lab and Wildflower Center. I learned how to communicate science to peers, the public, and K-12 students by doing outreach activities with the Insect Collection.
Aside from these jobs related to my major and future career, I also worked as a fitness instructor with UT RecSports. I really enjoyed going to Barre classes, and I wanted to broaden my experience beyond ecology. This job made me more self-confident, challenged me to motivate groups, and improved my public speaking.
What are you proudest to have accomplished or overcome during your time at UT? Why?
When I started at UT, I didn’t think I was smart enough to be a researcher. I even considered transferring out of the College of Natural Sciences. I was rejected from the Freshman Research Initiative, and I felt unqualified because I did not have as much research and work experience as other students in my major.
The culture at UT, and especially in CNS, greatly emphasizes being involved in research. I and other students who were not immediately in a lab felt the pressure to find one. While I was a freshman, two senior EEB students ran an insect collecting project on campus, run entirely by student volunteers. Because this project required no prior experience, I was able to participate and learn a ton about entomology. The project launched my interest in insects and led to my position as a research assistant at the UT Insect Collection. I am glad I didn’t go through with transferring, and I am incredibly grateful for the community of students who supported me.
How have Undergraduate College programs influenced your academic journey or personal development?
I started the Bridging Disciplines Programs Museum Studies Certificate in the spring of my junior year. I heard about the program from a friend of mine who was interested in science education. I had been looking for a way to integrate education with my EEB degree and the certificate seemed like a good fit.
What is a specific example of how the Bridging Disciplines Programs helped develop your skills or knowledge?
The Museum Studies certificate requires two Connecting Experiences (CE), where students get course credit for real world experiences like an internship or research project. For my first CE, I created lesson plans for the UT Insect Collection. We are often invited to present at schools but did not have any formal presentations. I worked with a mentor from the UTeach department to learn how to plan engaging, hands-on lessons. This experience allowed me to improve my science communication, a critical skill I need to be successful in my future career.
What mentors/professors have been especially helping in guiding your path at UT?
Kay McMurry was my professor for Field Biology Lab. She has taught that same course for many years and is incredibly knowledgeable about plants and ecosystems in Texas. She is also very familiar with how The University and the Integrative Biology department work. The Field Biology Lab interested me so much that I became a TA for the course the following semester. Dr. McMurry's continued mentorship helped me understand how to navigate professional relationships and find my place as an ecologist.
Alex Wild is the Curator of the UT Insect Collection where I have worked as a research assistant for almost 3 years. He is the collection's only permanent, full-time staff member. Working there has taught me how to prioritize my time and set realistic goals for productivity.
What advice would you give to a freshman to help them succeed?
Never close yourself off to new opportunities. There are so many things happening across UT in different departments, student organizations, and resource centers. Keep your eyes open for posters, go to info sessions. It's never too late to start a new job, join a new club, or take a class in a different department that could interest you.
What techniques or habits have been instrumental in your success story?
Being realistic about how much work I can handle. I had to learn that it's ok to quit something or say no to a project if I am already at capacity. I now know how many things I can commit to at the start of a semester or if I can accept something new or not. If you are spreading yourself thin, pulling all-nighters, and constantly stressed, you will not be as successful as if you committed your effort to a manageable number of activities.
What is something you wish more students knew about UT or Undergraduate College?
I have only interacted with the Bridging Disciplines Programs (BDP), which I would recommend to students who have an interest in one of their certificate options. Even if a BDP certificate doesn't align with someone's interests, I would encourage all students to think outside of their major. Join an organization for a hobby you like, work a job that has nothing to do with your future career, or add a minor or certificate in a completely different college. UT has so many programs and experiences to offer outside of your just your coursework or your major. Explore what intrigues and inspires you!
What will you reminisce most fondly after graduation?
I will definitely miss how close by all my friends are, how easy it is to go to events, or just spending time with them.
For more information about the Bridging Disciplines Programs and other Undergraduate College resources, visit undergradcollege.utexas.edu