Published November 4, 2015
Ethan Burke, a biology senior at ULM, has recently received a scholarship from the
Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists (LAPB).
The competitive scholarship is dispersed over the fall and spring semesters. Dr. Sushma
Krishnamurthy, director of School of Sciences at ULM, believes that the scholarship
committee chose well in awarding Burke a scholarship to further his education. “Ethan
is a joy to watch in the field. He is very knowledgeable, curious, energetic and enthusiastic,”
Krishnamurthy said.
Among various application requirements, Burke was asked to write an essay describing
his background, career, goals, and experiences. In his essay, Burke explained that
while still in active duty, he decided that he wanted to pursue a career in biology,
concentrating on ecology and evolution.
“I look forward to my future as a wildlife biologist, and I cannot wait to put my
experience to work and learn from the experts,” Burke comments. Some of his field
work experiences so far includes working at deer check stations and surveying, trapping
nuisance beavers, and working with State Wildlife veterinarians.
Burke is thrilled about receiving this scholarship to further his professional career,
“I am very excited and grateful to be honored by the Louisiana Association of Professional
Biologists,” he states. “I look forward to working among these great men and women
in my future.”
In addition to being a student, Burke is currently employed with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service as a Biological Student Trainee at Overflow National Wildlife Refuge.
He serves as vice president of the Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society at ULM.
The LAPD is a diverse organizational group of professionals and students interested
in the protection, management, and use of Louisiana’s natural resources through research,
mentoring, habitat management and informed public policy.
