Elizabeth Bazluke ’16 loves animals and nature and hopes to build a career around this passion. Fortunately, Syracuse University’s new Climate Change Garden is the perfect spot for aspiring field biologists to get their hands dirty…literally! The Climate Change Garden, an idea brought to life thanks to biologists in the College of Arts and Sciences, is an outdoor laboratory containing dozens of shrubs and trees. Bazluke, along with her mentors – faculty members Jason Fridley and Doug Frank – recently began a long-term research project, where they hope to better understand how trees and shrubs respond to climatic variation and global warming.

In this Student Spotlight, Bazluke tells us a little bit about her life at Syracuse University, from the Climate Change Garden to playing rugby at Hookway Field.

1. Where are you from?

I am from Essex, Vermont.

2. Tell us a little bit about life before Syracuse University?

Before Syracuse University, I attended Essex High School, where I participated in Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Track and Field, and Women’s Rugby. On weekends, my friends and I were regularly involved in outdoor activities, like canoeing and hiking. Oftentimes, I enjoyed taking my dog, Oreo, for long walks around my neighborhood. With any spare time, you could, and still will, find me crafting, knitting, crocheting, and quilting.

3. Why did you choose Syracuse University?

I chose Syracuse University originally for its college-town feel, with the quad being the central focus of the school. Though the university is in the city of Syracuse, it is at the same time its own community. I entered Syracuse University undeclared in the College of Arts & Science, but stayed because I found the Department of Biology, specifically the option to focus on environmental science. My passion for animals and their interactions with their natural habitats makes this major ideal for my career goals.

4. What’s your favorite thing about attending Syracuse University?

My favorite aspect of attending this school is the diversity of options the campus has to offer. With countless clubs to join, buildings to explore, and the many different types of people to interact with, being a student at Syracuse University is never dull.

5. What’s the best way to spend free time as a Syracuse University student?

There are many ways to spend your free time but it really depends on the time of year, and the weather. When it is nice out, visiting the quad to play some Frisbee or walking down to Marshall Street for a bite to eat is always a good time. In the winter when it snows, sledding on the Crouse hill is a lot of fun. Every Saturday in the fall, I spend my day at Hookway Field playing a nice game of rugby with all of my friends.

6. In what extracurricular activities are you currently participating?

Syracuse Women’s Rugby Football Club

7. What’s your major?

I’m majoring in biology with a focus in environmental sciences. I’m also pursuing a minor in psychology.

8. What do you hope to do after graduation?

After I graduate, I hope to become an animal behaviorist or a field biologist. Like Jane Goodall, I want to study the behavior patterns of animals in their natural habitats that are undisturbed by human activity.

9. How is Syracuse University helping you to achieve your goals and aspirations?

Syracuse University is helping me by supplying me with the knowledge and tools I will need to be successful to move forward in my career. In particular, the College of Arts in Sciences is providing me with the opportunity, through the Climate Change Garden, to apply what I already know and to continue to learn valuable skills. In the future, I hope to have more chances to use my experiences at Syracuse University to further similar, valuable research.

10. What are some of the activities you like around CNY that aren’t Syracuse University affiliated?

My friends and I enjoy eating out at fun and unique places such as Tully’s Good Times on Erie Blvd; Gannons Isle Ice Cream in downtown Syracuse; Stella’s diner by the Destiny USA mall; and Heid’s in Liverpool. When I’m not eating, I also enjoy spending time in the sun - whether it’s in Thornden Park, romping around the cemetery, or hanging out on a friend’s porch.