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Joy Smith, 鈥�20, Studies Wildlife Photography for her Thesis

After graduating from 网曝吃瓜-Webb University in May, Joy Smith, 鈥�20, of Casar, N.C., will continue taking photos of people. However, in the future, she would like to become a wildlife photographer.

Her interest in the well-being of animals led her to choose the topic for her Honors thesis, 鈥淭he Positive and Negative Effects of Photography on Wildlife.鈥� Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, Smith and others presented their research during a Zoom teleconference.

Q: Why did you choose your research topic?

Smith: As a photographer and a lover of wildlife, I began to get curious and wondered if photography was ever harmful to animals. During my research, I learned that while there are many positives, wildlife can be negatively affected if the animal鈥檚 best interests aren鈥檛 met. It pains me to see animals mistreated, and it was a real eye opener to realize that sometimes people who think they are helping animals by photographing them and raising awareness for them are actually hurting them without realizing it.

Q: What valuable lessons did you learn from doing your research?

Smith: I learned a lot of useful information that is going to greatly benefit me as I continue on in my career. I learned to manage my time appropriately. There is so much to be done when completing a thesis; it is important to not let deadlines sneak up on you. I also learned to ask for help if you need it. Your advisor is there to help you, and they are happy to answer questions or assist you when you hit a roadblock.

Q: How has GWU Honors Program enhanced your GWU experience?

Smith: The GWU Honors Program has meant everything to me. I have been extremely involved since my freshman year. I have been on the Honors Executive Committee the past three years, serving as the Special Events Co-Chair my sophomore year and the Publicist my junior and senior years. I have traveled to multiple places, presented research at National Honors Conferences, met so many wonderful friends, and gotten the best education. I can鈥檛 imagine what my time at GWU would have been like if I hadn鈥檛 been involved in Honors. I am so thankful to have attended a school with such a wonderful Honors Program! I have been given unbelievable opportunities during my four years at GWU. I am so thankful to Dr. Tom Jones for everything he has done for me.