Brooklyn Stone
Background
Growing up, I always wanted to know as much as possible about animals. Spending my "computer time" as a kid reading every article available about the animals that lingered in my head that week and filling notebooks with what I learned.
This passion for learning about the creatures of the world never went away; instead, it manifested into my love for pet-keeping. Although I have always loved all animals, my mom is deathly allergic to most, limiting my childhood pet options. I grew up with her keeping turtles, which launched my life-long reptile fixation.
Pet Keeping and Social Media
Beginning to keep reptiles and arachnids was a pivotal moment in my life. Not only did it provide me with an opportunity to learn about and connect with these amazing animals, which deepened my devotion to them, it built community.
Sharing my pets online through Instagram and YouTube connected me with people who shared my interests and supported my passions. As someone who has always struggled with "fitting in," I finally found somewhere to belong. I hope my accounts feel like a safe space for anyone else who never had anyone to share their passions with.
Now, not only do I share my pets and their husbandry, but I also share my experiences as a college student studying Zoology and conducting undergraduate research.
Education
Due to my animal-centric upbringing and desire for learning, it was never a question of what I planned to study. I started in community college earning my Associate of Science in Biology where research became a focal point in my life. It was the perfect combination of my passions: animals, learning, problem-solving and writing.
Now, I am in my last year of earning my Bachelor's of Science in Zoology with a Professional Writing minor focused on science communications. Feel free to learn more about my academics and professional achievements by visiting my CV page.
Creating this Site
I have always loved documenting my journey. Taking images and writing are essential creative outlets for me. Although I share parts of my life by posting on social media, I have always known that I wanted to take it to a more professional level. With the push of an assignment in a writing for web content class, I was able to take the leap and create a website which is just that: a professional continuation of the community I began building online! A space for content that has outgrown the social media algorithm. I plan to showcase the final projects that I can be seen working on through my Instagram stories, to write about topics I am interested in researching on deeper levels, and to have information about me and my work all in one organized place. Like an interactive place for you to explore and take something from whether you are curious about me as a person, interested in pursuing an education in zoology or a related field, or finding inspiration to care for a pet reptile.
Growing up, I probably read every article and watched every YouTube video about becoming a zoologist available, and there were not many. I would love to provide a one-stop site for future zoologists to learn more about the experience of pursuing their dreams. Whether they are unsure of the path they want to take, or are already on their journey looking for further inspiration.
For current academics, I hope this site makes it easy to explore my research and contact me with questions or concerns that may pop up. Research can be intimidating and I always aim to make the process less daunting. With my experience helping undergraduate students find research opportunities and get them started on their research journey, I know how difficult it can seem to reach out, but I prioritize communicating with anyone who does.
Even hobbyists have a place here. My life is not only academia! Blogs will be posted regularly ranging from topics covering herptile and arachnid husbandry, current research advancements in the community, and more.
I hope you enjoy your time exploring my brain transformed into a website. Learn something new, feel inspired, or just enjoy the photos I have taken scattered throughout the site. I appreciate you!