Stephanie

university Scholar

Stephanie Gunby

2016 William A. Dart Memorial University Scholarship

University of Guelph
Marine & Freshwater Biology

Stephanie graduated in 2023 with an MSc in Pathobiology from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph, where she also completed her bachelor’s degree in Marine & Freshwater Biology. While studying, Stephanie worked as a teaching assistant and graduate support assistant and volunteered in the Hagen Aqualab. Her decision to follow a career path in marine conservation was settled when she joined a National Geographic Student Expedition, first to Ecuador and Galápagos Islands and then a tropical conservation trip to Bali.

Stephanie's highlights

• MSc in Pathobiology from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph
• BSc Hons in Marine & Freshwater Biology, University of Guelph
• University of Guelph Dean’s List for High Achievement in 2018 and 2020
• University of Guelph women’s squash team
• A*AB A-levels from St Ignatius Catholic School
• National Geographic Student Expedition – Photography Expedition to Ecuador and Galápagos Islands
• National Geographic Student Expedition – Tropical Conservation Expedition to Bali
• Department of Environment Volunteer for the Summer Sea Turtle Nesting Program
• Animal Husbandry and Conservation Intern at Cayman Turtle Centre
• Winner of Cayman Turtle Centre’s mural contest

Stephanie believes in a healthy balance between her extra-curricular activities and her studies. She enjoys both digital and film photography and had the chance to learn hands-on techniques from National Geographic photographer Jeff Mauritzen in Galápagos Islands. She is also heavily involved in dog training and the world of dog sports with her golden retriever, Bell. In their first year of competing, they have earned 10 titles.

In Cayman, Stephanie has volunteered with Cayman Turtle Centre and the Department of Environment, assisting with coral reef surveys, reef clean-ups and learning more about animal husbandry. She also completed an internship with Dart, researching coastline developments and working with architects to source turtle-friendly lighting. She is now working with Department of Environment.

Stephanie is happiest working in the field doing conservation-based research. Her dream job would be working for the National Geographic, where she could combine her academic and research interests in marine biology with her extra-curricular interests in photography.