Samson Malenich
BA Anthropology
On his major:
I spent the first three years of my time in university studying music performance
–I’m a classically-trained violinist and had always envisioned my future as a career
musician. However, being in college has given me the opportunity to explore my interests
in great depth; I realized that my passion lies in human evolution and the way we
uniquely interact with our environment. Since changing my major in my junior year
(a bold decision, I might add!) I’ve made new friendships, met amazing professors
in the Department of Anthropology, taken fascinating classes I never imagined I would
take, and set myself on an exciting new path.
Favorite class:
Primate Conservation (ANP 360) with Dr. Patricia Wright is a fantastic class and I
highly recommend it for anyone who has an innate love of earth’s diverse flora/fauna
and has a desire to learn more about how conservationists are working to safeguard
biodiversity. As someone planning to go into conservation, this class has been nothing
short of inspirational!
Interests and accomplishments:
I am fascinated by the way that humans, as ecosystem engineers, have influenced natural
environments globally; working with Dr. Hildebrand in SBU’s archaeobotany laboratory
helped me develop a love of humanity’s manipulation and domestication of plants throughout
our history. Over time, I have become particularly interested in sustainability and
native ecosystem preservation/restoration. I am first and foremost a plant-lover and
avid gardener of many years – I have worked tirelessly to transform my own backyard
into a safe haven for native flora and fauna with a particular focus on spring ephemeral
plants that support specialized pollinator insects. Fortunately, I’ve also had the
privilege to work with Stony Brook’s Life Sciences Greenhouse to develop and nurture
native plant gardens on campus, which makes me feel that I am leaving Stony Brook
University having made positive, material change. I believe that the most unique facet
of human existence is our ability to transform the environment around us, and it is
our duty to do so in such a way that preserves the beauty of the planet for generations
to come.
Plans for post-graduation:
I plan on taking a gap year to continue my efforts in local environmental restoration
and raising awareness about conservation on Long Island, as well as enriching my knowledge
in the environmental and biological sciences in preparation for a graduate program
in environmental studies.
Favorite SBU memory:
Walking around the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with my ‘Ethnobotany and Paleoethnobotany’
classmates in the pouring rain, frantically jotting down our thoughts and observations
onto very soaked print-outs.
Advice for potential Seawolves:
College is a time for personal development and exploring your interests. The rest
of your life as you foresee it prior to college may end up looking completely different
– allow yourself to be transformed and find your true passion. You never know what
the future holds!