Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/59776
I am Central: John Phillips Senior Biology, Environmental Studies and History major A triple threat "Triple majoring just made sense to me – all three of those things tie together. Ever since I was young I had some sort of dirt under my fingernails and a love for creatures making biology a perfect fit. Because of that, I have always been passionate about the environment and have loved the outdoors, which led to my interest in environmental studies. Plus the environment can use all the help it can get, especially when it comes to preserving it. And history helps us understand how everything has evolved over time." Paving the Rhode(s): University history was made when he became the first undergraduate CMU student to be nominated for the prestigious Rhodes Scholar award. "It was exciting being the first. I hope this starts a trend for more CMU students being nominated for the scholarship and other students are provided the chance for such an opportunity to occur." Lending a hand: Through Alternative Breaks at CMU, Phillips helped repair hurricane-damaged homes in Mississippi, performed environmental services in the Gulf of Mexico and led volunteers in nature-conservation projects in the Everglades. "Going out and making a difference in the environment makes you feel so good. I think it's kind of a selfish thing for how good it makes you feel." Going the distance: As president and a member of the CMU Triathlon Club, Phillips devotes considerable time to training and athletic development and led his team in numerous collegiate triathlons, including the 2011 USAT Collegiate Championships. Next step: Phillips plans to pursue a career in conservation biology. He has substantial laboratory study and international fieldwork as well as conference presentations and publications in herpetology. But he is taking time to focus on his future. "I have looked into graduate programs and even the Peace Corps. I am looking forward to the challenges of the future and where it will take me." " • 40 centralight spring '12 fall '11