Makenzie Meacham of Cornville, Arizona, is pursuing a master’s degree in Biology.

Under Dr. Donald Shepard, Meacham is studying slimy salamanders and their phylogenetics. After completing her degree, Meacham plans to purse her doctorate in the same field.

“I have always been interested in evolution and genetics, so when I found this MS position in Dr. Shepard’s lab it felt like I’d found the perfect fit,” Meacham said. “I plan on receiving my PhD and, eventually, beginning a research position at a museum or university.”