Leah Fisher, B.S. 2009

Climate and Air Quality Office Chief, Caltrans – Sacramento CA

2009 Major: Biology

How has being a Biology graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"Duke's interdisciplinary approach to teaching science helped me discover a passion for applying science to policy and working in civil service, a path I explored after a Master of Science degree while debating a PhD. The Duke Marine Lab in particular played a key role! You may be learning about a fish species or sea turtle ecology, but Duke makes sure you also learn how conserving a species impacts local economies, traditional cultures, and other disciplines, teaching students how to ground their decisions or careers in science and research in applicability to real-world impacts."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Biology programs? 

"Explore what is fun for you and see where it takes you! And it's ok not to have a plan (something I learned much later)."

Leah Fisher