Name: Meagan DeBenedetto 

Programs completed at APU: BS Marine Biology 

Project Title: Exploring a Potential Relationship Between Ichthyophonus and Size-at-Age of Pacific Halibut in South Central Alaska

 Hometown: Mahwah, New Jersey 

Best Classes at APU: The best classes that I have taken at APU were Fisheries Ecology and Ichthyology. I loved being able to get out into the field even when it was a wake up call at 5am for clam survey or moving sandbags to build a fish weir! Most importantly these classes are why I got into the specific field of fisheries and have opened some great opportunities for my future. 

What is your best memory of APU? The best memory I had at APU was working in the FAST lab. I loved being able to work on projects such as processing tissue, aging otoliths and taking care of flesh eating beetles! But more than anything I have enjoyed my roommates at R2UP for the past 3 years! Thanks to them for helping to create amazing memories everyday and being a very special part of my APU experience!

What is going to be your next adventure post-APU? After graduation I am heading down to Sitka for the summer to work for ADF&G.

Any words of wisdom for students working on completing their degrees? I recommend taking full advantage of all the opportunities that your professors and your degree gives you, everything you do here is a learning experience that you shouldn’t turn down. Never be afraid to ask for help and don’t forget that APU is a family. Also, never turn down midnight breakfast during finals week! ​