Kaylee Hawkes graduated in 2021 with her bachelor’s degree in marine, estuarine and freshwater biology. She minored in Spanish. In 2022, she earned her master’s degree in secondary education, also from UNH.
Kaylee Hawkes: I am a high school teacher at my alma mater, Newburyport High School. I teach biology and AP environmental science. This course is a dual enrollment course with SNHU, so I am now affiliated with SNHU. In the "off season," I am a naturalist at Newburyport Whale Watch. This is a job I started my freshman year of college, and I continue to love!
COLSA: How did UNH prepare you for success in your field?
Kaylee: The variety of science courses that I took at UNH to receive my degree has allowed me to really choose my own adventure as to which courses I can teach at Newburyport High School. Throughout college, I was pushed to try my best and problem solve through adversity, a skill that is pertinent to teaching.
COLSA: Was there a person or course that had a significant influence on you? And if so, who or what and how?
Kaylee: Having taken Spanish, marine bio, and education classes (in addition to my discoveries and participation in the UNH Bands), I have met so many amazing individuals and taken so many awesome classes.
If I had to narrow it down, some of the most impactful professors I had were Dr. Sarah Joiner for organic chemistry, Dr. Larry Harris for marine biology, Dr. Megan Enos-Fournier for biochemistry, Dr. Elizabeth Craig for aquatic animal diversity, Dr. Juan Rojo for microbiology, Dr. Scott Weintraub for Spanish, Dr. Thomas Higginbotham for education and most significantly, Casey Speed Goodwin. Casey has continued to be a person of comfort, strength and admiration. She and I are still in regular contact.
COLSA: At this point in your life, what achievement are you most proud of?
Kaylee: As a first-generation college student, I would say having my master’s degree is the biggest accomplishment of my life.
COLSA: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were an undergrad?
Kaylee: I wish I took more time to enjoy things. I am not an angel, I skipped a couple of classes. If I could turn back time, I would go to every class and take advantage of every opportunity.
COLSA: What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
Kaylee: Going into marine biology doesn't necessarily mean you are going to like work with dolphins or sharks. Most of the classes you take are providing background information for you to take and run with. Also, try to take a major-specific class every semester to keep the passion alive.
COLSA: What do you miss most about UNH?
Kaylee: I miss campus!!! I miss walking across T-Hall Lawn and living with my friends.
COLSA: What's ahead for you?
Kaylee: I am looking into getting a second master’s degree in environmental education/outreach or environmental conservation. I did get my dream teaching job and teach with numerous UNH grads.
COLSA: Please tell us one unique or remarkable thing about yourself.
Kaylee: I have been playing the trombone for 13 years!
