Carolyn Dennler
Student explores breadth of sciences at South Puget Sound
Carolyn Dennler is a student of the sciences. All of them.
From biology to botany, chemistry to calculus, archaeology to oceanography, the Wisconsin native and former U.S. Army recruit has tried her hand at all of the college’s offerings. Now her sights are set on zoological training, where she will earn certification in exotic animal handling before continuing her education at a four-year school. The ultimate goal? A position in a state wildlife and fisheries department.
The 2005–06 recipient of the Benjamin S. Ellwanger Memorial Scholarship for students in the natural sciences, Dennler was drawn to South Puget Sound, she says, because of the small class sizes and the affordability. “College is a major financial and time commitment, and the community college setting has helped me ease into my education. The small classes, the exposure to good professors: it’s been so valuable.”
Dennler, who will earn her Associate of Science degree this fall, has completed the biology and chemistry major series. She has filled out her coursework with as many additional natural science classes as possible.
“I can’t say enough about how much I’ve enjoyed the natural science classes… taught by subject-matter experts whom I really admire and respect,” she says. “Applying what I’ve learned in the classroom to real scenarios truly brings the concepts to life, and it’s these experiences I value most.”