When Jackson Scott thinks of the University of North Alabama (UNA), the word “opportunity” comes to mind. “There’s always something just around the corner if you’re willing to take that first step,” he says. Attending the University of North Alabama was an easy and familiar choice. Growing up in Anderson, Alabama, Jackson could not resist going back to Florence, where he was born, to earn his degree in environmental biology with a concentration in geographic information systems (GIS).
UNA has always been a special place to the Scott family. Jackson’s mother is an alum of the university who graduated with a degree in nursing. So, it was no surprise when he quickly began to feel right at home at UNA. “If you’re worried about making friends as a freshman, just give it a week,” Jackson says. “You’ll see familiar faces and start to feel at home in no time.”
Jackson’s passion for biology and research is evident in the way he lights up whenever he discusses the field. “Studying biology helps push the boundaries of human knowledge and contributes to a better society,” he explains. Throughout his studies, Jackson found GIS to be a “powerful companion” for biology and learned how to use them both in his desired profession.
Biology and marine biology are the two options offered in the program. Within the focus of biology, there are five concentration options: cellular and molecular biology, environmental biology, general biology, pre-health biology, and professional biology. In other words, UNA’s Department of Biology is carefully designed to prepare students for whatever they’d like to focus on post graduation.
Jackson found his own interest within the field thanks to the time he spent in labs at UNA. “That experience deepened my passion for this field and helped affirm my interest in continuing research,” he shares. His post-graduation plans (class of 2025) will allow him to dive deeper into his interests. After taking a post-baccalaureate program, he plans to attend graduate school. More specifically, he hopes to find a fieldwork-intensive program with a focus on freshwater stream ecology.
Long term, Jackson is shooting for the stars, so to speak. He wants to do fieldwork where he can discover new species, help endangered species, and contribute to conservation efforts. As for why he is so passionate about this work, Jackson’s explanation is simple yet powerful: “If people like me don’t do it, who will?”
UNA has equipped Jackson with all of the skills needed to excel in his future career, and his experience is far from unique. “UNA has the support systems, resources, and opportunities to help you succeed—not just with biology but across departments.” That’s why he encourages future students to find what they want to do and simply go for it. “Decide what to be and go be it. Time won’t wait around for you to figure it out.”