Katherine Matczak is a zoology major and animal behavior minor from Bellingham, Massachusetts. There is so much about UNH that Katherine loves – from the hands-on experiences with animals on campus, to the course plan she has tailored to her specific interests and goals, to the community and the amazing opportunities beyond the classroom. Check out her Q&A below to learn more.
COLSA: Why did you choose UNH?
Katherine Matczak: When I was looking at universities, I wanted something that was mid-distance from home, wasn't in the city, and had a good, close-knit community. My grandparents lived in New Hampshire when I was growing up, and I was in love with the state.
When I first toured UNH, I came back to show my grandparents the map of the campus, and I referred to the Dimond Library as "my library" and I knew that I would end up here. Not only was the campus homey and welcoming, but UNH offered one of the few zoology programs I found close to home that would provide me with excellent educators and programs/classes of interest. They also allowed me to take control of my honors program and plan it to my own liking.
COLSA: What is your major and what do you love about it?
Katherine: I study zoology with a minor in animal behavior. I believe that animals are the backbone of our world, not humans, so being able to spend my time researching them and understanding their well-being is very important to me. I love having the tools and classes at hand that allow me to deep dive into animal phylogeny, structure, behaviors, etc. I also love knowing that I do what I love and that I will be be properly prepared to go out in the world and work hand on with large animal species and fulfill my childhood dreams.
COLSA: What's the best academic experience you've had at UNH?
Katherine: I love being able to work hands on with animals and get access to new materials that I haven't had access to before. I took a class called Vertebrate Morphology taught by Dr. Janet Anderson where we had the chance to dissect animals such as sharks, rabbits and birds. It was an excellent class that really gave me background information on the structure of different species. I also took a large animal handling class with Dr. Drew Conroy. It was my first introduction to working with large animals, which is what I want to do in the future, so this opportunity was so exciting for me.
Even when I'm not working hands on, I gain new perspectives from these amazing classes. I took Animal Behavior with Dr. Curren, where I was introduced to the book "An Immense World," by Ed Yong. This novel opened by eyes to the world on animal sense and really broadened my horizons of the potential animal behaviors I could research.
"I love knowing that I do what I love and that I will be be properly prepared to go out in the world and work hand on with large animal species and fulfill my childhood dreams."
COLSA: What's the best experience you've had at UNH outside the classroom/lab?
Katherine: Outside of the classroom I am an RA in Fairchild Hall. I didn’t come to UNH thinking I would be an RA, but this has been an excellent opportunity to get involved and create a community. As an RA I get to host socials and be there as a resource for all of my residents to make their time at UNH feel like home. I have made so many memorable connections that I wouldn't change for the world, and I am so grateful that this opportunity fell into my hands.
Aside from my position as an RA and my time in the classroom, UNH has given me the opportunity to study aboard and explore endless possibilities. In the fall of 2025, a friend and I will be studying endangered species in Kenya for a semester. I am beyond excited and grateful to see the animals that got me into zoology in the first place in their natural environment and see where this new adventure will take me.
COLSA: How is UNH preparing you to achieve your goals?
Katherine: UNH has provided me with a foundation in the biological sciences that has allowed me to dive further into more complicated aspects of animal genetics, biology and behaviors. It is one of the few campuses I found that has live animals on hand to learn from, giving you that critical hands-on animal experience. I have also been able to take classes that are tailored to my interest, such as large animal handling and animal behaviors.
COLSA: What should prospective students know about UNH?
Katherine: When coming to UNH, know that you are coming into a large family. Our campus may not be the largest, but we have endless opportunities and programs for everyone. Almost everyone I know is involved on campus in one way or another and loves what they do. If you're feeling nervous, don't worry. It's normal to be nervous about entering a new period in your life, but I guarantee you will find your people here. When you're here, you're home, and we can't wait to watch you become Wildcats!
