Ellen Schonken, a lab technician in the Population and Community Ecology (PaCE) Lab at the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), brings a unique blend of passion and curiosity to her role. As a junior at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, majoring in Natural Resources & Environmental Science (NRES) with a concentration in Ecosystem Stewardship and Restoration Ecology, Ellen has immersed herself in various fields including mycology, wildlife ecology, restoration ecology, and aquatic ecosystems. Her enthusiasm for studying species interactions, such as the fascinating relationship between salamander mussels and mudpuppies, reflects her love for hands-on, impactful research. Keep reading to learn more about Ellen’s academic journey, her work at PRI, and her extracurricular passions in this insightful Q&A.
Q&A with Ellen Schonken
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and your role at PRI?
A: I’m a lab technician in the PaCE lab at the Illinois Natural History Survey. I assist with lab work and occasionally go out into the field.
Q: What drew you to your area of work or study?
A: One of the species we study is the salamander mussel, which uses the mudpuppy as a host during its larval stage. I find this symbiotic relationship fascinating! Learning about this system and the hands-on work involved in studying it excites me.
Q: What classes are you taking this semester?
A: This semester, I’m taking:
- Aquatic Ecosystem Conservation
- Language, Mind & Brain
- Anatomy
- Fungal Diversity & Ecology
- Principles of Psychophysiology
- Owl Migration & Education
Q: What do you hope to do with your degree?
A: I’m still figuring out my interests and career goals after graduation. For now, I’m enjoying the opportunities NRES provides to interact with and make a positive impact on nature.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: I’m involved in several registered student organizations (RSOs) on campus. I love organizing events and meeting new people through them. I also enjoy birdwatching, hiking, mushroom foraging, dancing, and listening to podcasts.