I will be the first one to admit that Aquatic Biology Majors are not the most normal people out there, but I can tell you for a fact we have one heck of a time! We are those weird people that have 8 am classes every single semester, walk around with nets, waders, and jars full of bugs in our hands, always have our faces in a microscope, wade around in rivers and lakes collecting samples, and walk around campus talking and saying words any other person couldn't even pronounce. Yes, all these things sound very weird and maybe not so appealing to some, but if you have a love for this stuff like we do, you'll fit right in. I mean, what is better than spending your 8am lab out on a pontoon collecting samples, then going straight to your 10am lab to go to a river to collect fresh water invertebrates? I would much rather be out in the field than cramped up in a classroom for 2 hours. Being an aquatic biology major isn't just memorizing a bunch of terms out of a book, you actually get to collect the things you're learning about. That's what makes this major so great. Not only do you get to learn about very interesting things, you'll also meet some of the coolest and most down to earth people. I've actually met most of my best friends through this program. Sometimes it seems as if we're a family instead of just a bunch of kids in the same major. It's easy to see we are crazy people with a love of the outdoors, and a want to help and understand more about our natural world!

Kellee Banta
Aquatic Biology (undergraduate)
Class of 2008

So, you are thinking about attending Bemidji State University and entering the aquatic biology program? Most likely, one of your biggest questions is, what would it be like to be an aquatic biology major at this school? Let me tell you first hand, it is absolutely a blast and I'm going to try to prove to you how exciting this particular major at this university actually is. First of all, you are probably looking at this major because you are like me. You either love fishing or just being out on a lake. I have noticed this similarity in every aquatic biology major that I have met in my tenure here at BSU. If you are interested in a career that involves working with fish, invertebrates, or aquatic plants, Bemidji State is the school to go to for a degree in aquatic biology.

The aquatic biology faculty members are some of the friendliest faculty you will encounter as you complete your college courses. As an aquatic biology major you will get to know one or more of these faculty members quite well. There is Dr. Cloutman who will instruct you in the courses of Limnology (study of fresh water), Ichthyology (study of fishes), and Fisheries Management, along with others. Dr. Guelda teaches the second half of Limnology along with Freshwater Invertebrates, Animal Behavior and Marine Biology for those of you who might be interested in working with saltwater environments someday. Finally, there is Dr. Koch, the wetland ecologist for the biology department, who teaches the courses of Aquatic Plants, Wetlands Ecology and the biological perspective of People and the Environment, to name a few.

I know, I know, you're wondering what life is like as an aquatic biology major at BSU. The aquatic biology program is different from other major programs in the amount of time that is spent out in the field. My family and friends are always amazed when I tell them about how often I go out on the lake or up to Hobson Forest for lab. I think that is one of the main aspects that set this program apart from every other program here at BSU. The Aquatic Biology program at Bemidji State is different than other majors. The faculty are friendly, the students all have similar interests, and you spend a lot of time out in the field. If you are thinking about pursuing a career in Aquatic Biology, I would suggest taking a serious look at Bemidji State University.

Chris Lafean
Aquatic Biology (undergraduate)
Class of 2008

From the very first exam to the end of the year aquatic biology party, there is never a dull moment. What other department takes you on a pontoon for lab or to a small river where you can pick through the mud. Not to mention the Hobson Forest is just miles away. Although 8am class may seem like the pits, you are all in it together. You get to know your classmates, along with your professors. And when the year is done, you are excited for the next one to begin. Oh and remember the average ice off day for Lake Bemidji is April 26; you might win a bungee cord!

Madeline Pletta
Aquatic Biology (undergraduate)
Class of 2008

There is no better place to study aquatic biology then at BSU. With Lake Bemidji and Mississippi River right out your back door you get use the equipment and techniques that you learn about in the classroom in the field. The faculty is first rate and is always there to help you in anyway that they can. They have a passion for the topics that they're teaching, which caries down to the students. I have enjoyed everything about my aquatic biology experience so far and I can't wait to see what's to come.

Zachary Neusinger
Aquatic Biology (undergraduate)
Class of 2008

I transferred to Bemidji State University in the spring of 2007. I knew I wanted to go to school for Aquatic Biology, but where was uncertain. Considering that I wanted an Aquatic Biology degree, Minnesota transfer schools were limited. It was either the University of Minnesota or Bemidji State University. With a strong passion for the outdoors, it was an easy decision. The professors are very approachable and are more than willing to assist in every way possible. Not only is BSU a great place to learn, meet people with same interests, and have fun, but it has become a home away from home.

Tyler Kneisel
Aquatic Biology (undergraduate)
Class of 2008

As an Aquatic biology major I have experienced many great benefits. First off the faculty here is by far the best if have seen. As a transfer student, originally I had professors that were pressured to teach more classes then they were qualified for. That is part of the reason I came here to BSU. Here the professors are more than qualified in the fields they teach. The faculty here are very friendly and are always open to hear questions and to help with guidance. Professors here make it their goal to know all of their students by name. This friendliness makes for a great learning environment in the classroom and essentially everyone ends up knowing each other on a personal basis. Plus this campus defiantly carries out the "Minnesota nice" mentality. Throughout my career here at BSU I have learned how rewarding this campus has been for me and my goals as a student. The courses here are taught in a way that makes learning fun and also challenging. In many classes the labs are not only done in the classroom, but out in the field. This hands on learning fits well with most that come to BSU looking to major in Aquatic Biology. I have been involved in many class field trips on the Mississippi River and many nearby streams and lakes. Where time is spent interacting with not only the environment collecting bugs, data, and plants, for classification and identification, but interacting with fellow colleagues and professors. Yeah, this may sound kinda nerdy, but how many majors allow you to do your homework while going on fishing and hunting trips? This interaction between academia and fieldwork has given me a deep understanding of what my role is as a biologist. Overall I have to say the Aquatic Bio faculty here will make sure you get a healthy education, well suited for your future career.

Christian Levitt
Aquatic Biology (undergraduate)
Class of 2008

You could not ask for a better environment in which to earn your degree in aquatic biology. The professors are truly energetic and excited about what they are teaching. That overflows to you as the student and makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Beyond the professors, you have access to a 6,000 acre lab right from campus! With the lake being that close, you can go out and enjoy what it has to offer between classes. Furthermore, the end of the year aquatic biology party is a sight to behold. I would not trade my educational experience from BSU for anything.

Lucas Borgstrom
Aquatic Biology (undergraduate)
Class of 2006

I think this program is what made my experience here at BSU memorable, I met my best friends, had wonderful times, and the best profs I could hope for. The program is very hands on and extremely fun, the people are great and I could always count on ALL the Profs to be very helpful, knowledgeable, willing, and extremely fun. I can only say that about the Biology and Aquatic Biology departments, so that means something. Take advantage of all the extra activities and experiences these departments offer, the experiences are invaluable. Thanks to all the Profs that made my experience fantastic.

Tim Girod
Aquatic Biology (undergraduate)
Class of 2005

BSU's aquatic biology program prepares students for experiences beyond the classroom — for further study (graduate school) or direct work experience. The key to the program is what a person makes of it — the program can take a person any direction they are willing to go. I think what separates BSU's aquatic biology program from other schools is the professors commitment to making students a priority.

Kelli Schmeling
Aquatic Biology (undergraduate)
Class of 2004