Stephanie Barton
Class of 2009

Exploring nature has always been a passion for Stephanie Barton; at Reinhardt, her passion has grown into a future career path.   

    With a pond in the backyard of her home—her own living biology lab—and a dad who always took her camping and fishing, Barton had plenty of experiences that encouraged her interest in biology. The professors at Reinhardt could see her passion. 

    “Students at Reinhardt have the opportunity to separate themselves from the pack,” explained Dr. Steven Powers, assistant professor of biology. “The small class sizes allowed me to get to know Stephanie well enough to realize that she was extremely capable and interested in conducting research.” 

Researching Native Fish Species
    With Powers guidance, Barton, a senior biology major from Canton, Ga., has been conducting research on the Cherokee Darter (right), a fish species native to North Georgia, since January 2007. Each month for the past year, she has collected 20 Cherokee Darters from Hickory Log Creek [now Hickory Log Reservoir] in Canton, Ga. She weighs, measures and examines each fish—studying such aspects as age, eating habits and population structure—and enters the data into a detailed spreadsheet.  

    Barton finished collecting specimen this past January and is now analyzing her findings, which she will present at the fall meeting of the Southeastern Fishes Council and then submit for publication in the Southeastern Naturalist. 

“Professors are Strong Mentors”
    “Dr. Powers and other biology professors at Reinhardt have been strong mentors in my research,” said Barton. “With their encouragement, I now know the career path that I want to take.”

    After graduation, Barton hopes to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. She feels that her experiences at the College have “fully prepared her for working for such important environmental organizations.” 

“Many Doors Have Opened for me at Reinhardt”
    “I am really glad that Reinhardt has given me the opportunities that it has,” she explained. “Even as a student, I have been able to do what I love—exploring and observing nature’s habitants. Many doors have been opened for me here, and I can’t wait to turn my passion into my career.”