By joining the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB) Second-Year Learning Community (SLC) you will be surrounded by a small community of second-year students who are learning to navigate their academic and co-curricular pathways to make the most of their experiences as an EEB student. The SLC program is designed to help you make the most out of your degree by engaging in various social, academic and professional development opportunities.
For more information about EEB, visit the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology website.
Apply to an Ecology & Evolutionary Biology SLC
Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are open until August 11.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the EEB SLC you must be a second-year student enrolled in any of the following EEB programs:
- ecology & evolutionary biology (specialist, major)
- biodiversity & conservation biology (major)
- environmental biology (major)
- quantitative biology (major)
- biology (specialist, major), with majority of courses being EEB-related
SLC Course Overview
Students in the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology SLC will meet at a welcome session during the week of September 9, 2024, and then every other week starting September 16, 2024.
Time: Every other week on Mondays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Your SLC Team
Department: Ecology and evolutionary biology
Title: Undergraduate and student outreach coordinator
Years worked for your current department and/or U of T: Eleven years at U of T; seven at EEB
Undergraduate major/specialist and institution: Anthropology & communications, York University
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Why you decided to serve as a staff advisor: I firmly believe that a sense of community is paramount to student success, serving as the cornerstone of academic achievement and personal growth. Second-year learning communities play a pivotal role in cultivating this sense of belonging and camaraderie among students. Through meaningful interactions and mutual support, students develop a sense of belonging that empowers them to thrive academically and personally, paving the way for their continued success throughout their U of T journey. I am honoured to serve as the staff advisor for the SLC to help students find their place in EEB.
One piece of advice for a second-year student: Make the most of the resources that are available to you!
Hobby or interest: Just started a beginner pottery class and enjoying it very much!
Program: Biodiversity and conservation biology major, environmental science major
Year: Two
College: Woodsworth College
Hometown: Malawi
An interesting fact: I grew up in Malawi my whole life.
Studies: I like learning about the symbiosis of organisms in general, my favorite being lichen and mycorrhiza.
Hobby or interest: I like going bouldering (rock climbing), going to the gym and socializing with my friends.
Program: Ecology & evolutionary biology specialist
Year: Three
College: New College
Hometown: Geneva, Switzerland
An interesting fact: I've worked in a zoo, I've helped taking care of an African wild dog, and I've interacted with many different wild animals (mostly mammals). I could speak about that with my colleagues in EEB for hours.
Studies: I really enjoy the study of biotic interactions, macroevolution and paleoecology, as well as evolutionary sociology.
Hobby or interest: I am starting to become interested in birds, and I thoroughly enjoy field work. Hiking and safaris are truly amazing! I also buy terrariums sometimes.
Alumni Testimonials
“I think the most important thing I learned with the program was to think strategically about my undergrad (i.e. courses, work-study, volunteering) and how I want them to help me in the future. I’ve applied this learning for choosing what I want to pursue in the summer as well as research opportunities.” – SLC EEB Mentee
“Being in the EEB SLC was a fantastic opportunity to meet other EEB students. It was so helpful being able to hear about and better understand course selection, research opportunities, internships and many other EEB-related opportunities. Getting recommendations from our mentors, as well as, meeting and hearing from other current and graduated EEB students was both useful and reassuring that I’m on the right path.” – SLC EEB Mentee
“I am so grateful for all the advice and peer support I gained from the EEB SLC program. The mentors made my second year much more approachable through open conversation about their experiences and also fun activities. Due to the mentors’ and my fellow mentees’ support, I gained the confidence to apply and achieve a summer research position! I also learned so much more about the vast web of opportunities and courses the EEB program provides. For anyone considering joining, there is so much to gain from this community!“ – SLC EEB Mentee