Katalyna Swanson | Honor Society®

About

As a young woman pursuing a degree in a male-dominated field, I have never felt more empowered by science. I have worked hard and maintained a GPA of 3.9 throughout my entire high school career. I am thrilled to have been accepted to Maine Maritime Academy to study marine biology, and I look forward to working in a field that encompasses such an expansive ecosystem.
As a woman in this discipline, I am aware of the wage gap, where women earn eighty-five cents to a man's dollar. The belief that equality has been achieved in the workforce is simply inaccurate. Every woman still faces challenges related to sexism and misogyny in today’s society.
My passion has always been in science, particularly biology. By understanding how science and engineering intersect, I can better apply my skills to marine biology. My mission is to minimize plastic pollution and its impact on ocean wildlife.

Education

Maine Maritime Academy

marine biology

2025 – Present

Goals and interests

Career goal: From a young age, I have always dreamed of graduating with a degree in marine biology. Although I grew up in places far from the ocean—like Wisconsin and Western North Carolina—I will never forget the first time I saw the ocean. I was about seven years old and visited the coast of New York, the closest ocean to where I lived, about six hours away. The experience was breathtaking, and I was captivated by the thought of working with such an ecosystem every day of my life.
I pursued a fast track to graduate high school, finishing as a junior and completely skipping my senior year. As I worked hard to reach my goals, I also received my acceptance to my dream school, Maine Maritime Academy. Once I graduate from this institution, I plan to focus on preserving our oceanic ecosystems. I aim to work primarily in marine mammal rehabilitation, where I hope to save the majestic creatures that inhabit the ocean.

Languages

English (US) Advanced