Cammy Freed

Name: Cameala (Cammy) FreedCammy in the field

Hometown: Lancaster PA

Anticipated graduation: 2024

Major: Environmental Biology

Photo credit: Dr. Christopher Hardy

Internships/Research/Projects:

I am currently researching under Dr. Haines in the Applied Conservation Lab at Millersville University on the impacts of invasive species on endangered species in the United States. This past summer, I focused on collecting data on endangered plant species.

Inspirations (for major, research, internship):

I was the kid you couldn’t take anywhere without me trying to catch reptiles, insects, fish, or anything in nature. When I was eight, my parents took me to Disneyland in Florida. My favorite part was trying to catch the anoles as I was so fascinated by them. I loved standing in the long lines, watching them, inspecting their exotic texture and colors. On that same trip, I found a purple and orange starfish on the beach. I don’t remember Disneyland, but I remember the anoles and starfish. My parents probably could have saved a lot of money by just dropping me off in the wilderness for that trip. My passion for nature and wildlife continued in my adult life as it is impossible to go on a hike with me without unsolicited plant, mushroom and bird identifications. My photo was taken by Dr. Christopher Hardy while participating in the Welsh Mountain BioBlitz with Millersville University students in collaboration with the Lancaster Conservancy.

Highlights (from courses/internship/research):

This past summer, I worked with the Millersville team on interpreting data on over 800 endangered plant species. I enjoyed working with the team and our cohorts at William & Mary college, collaborating on methods and navigating the tricky language of endangered species listing documents.I have had fantastic learning experiences with the Millersville Biology department. The most memorable experiences were:

  • The Welsh Mountain BioBlitz.
  • Lancaster County Central Park deer count.
  • Wading out into the mudflats along the Susquehanna river to identify a plant for plant systematics class.

Takeaway (from courses/internship/research):

Research can be tedious, and it's not always glamorous or charismatic, but the results are worth it. The data we are generating has the potential to drive policy change with sound scientific data. Furthermore, the datacould use it to improve methods for controlling invasive species.

Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes): 

Connect and network with people inside and outside of your major. Go on the optional field trips, environmental cleanup days, BioBlitz, volunteer to do species counts, or any opportunities that come up within or outside of your major. Many of the opportunities offered in the Biology department do not require applications, interviews, or paperwork. It just requires you to volunteer your time. I haven’t had an experience yet where I didn’t have fun or learn something new.

Aspirations (upon graduation): 

I realized later in life that careers can be like relationships, and passion can change. While I still have some love for my first career in Chemistry, I would like to move my career in a different direction. I am still unsure of the exact path I would like to pursue, but I know my education and experiences at Millersville will help guide me.

Scholarships awarded while attending Millersville University: 

Mentored Undergraduate Summer Experience (MUSE) Fellowship, Summer 2021