Rebecca “Becca” S. Colby
I am a 4th year PhD student in the Schultz lab (UConn EEB) studying the physiological ecology of alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus), a local migratory fish. My research focuses on how the body prepares for, or responds to, transitioning from freshwater to seawater in juvenile fish, and the potential negative effects of drought. In addition to my research, I have been a Teaching Assistant (TA) for introductory and upper-level lab classes, and devote time to mentoring undergraduates in research pursuits.
I am also an Assistant Director for the WiMSE (Women in Math, Science, and Engineering) Learning Community. My main responsibility in WiMSE is serving as an instructor for one-credit classes tailored to sophomores in the program, one class per semester. The fall semester class, which I introduced to the community after my employment, focuses on personal and professional development, teaching students the importance of self-care alongside career-advancement skills. The spring class focuses on service-learning, developing students to be stewards and mentors within their communities. As with all of my teaching, my goal for these classes is to produce students that are capable and comfortable advocating for themselves and identifying and utilizing available resources. In addition to providing instructional support to WiMSE, I facilitate community-building and educational events and oversee student leaders. For my work with WiMSE and other mentoring efforts, I was recently awarded the 100 Years of Women Scholarship from UConn.
In the spring of 2019, I was elected to be the Student Director of the UConn Foundation, a non-profit fundraising organization. Within this role I advocate for the UConn student body, spanning undergraduate students, graduate students, and students at all regional campuses. As an active, non-voting member of the Board Directors, I attend meetings and advocate for student interests and welfare during decision-making processes.
In summation, I am a wearer of many hats. Besides the titles above, I am a nature-lover, music-lover, athlete, sister, daughter, and often the loudest person in a room.
Contact: rebecca.colby[at]uconn.edu