Some people pick up a book and put it back down. Odum School student Michael Skibsted picked up a book about turtles in first grade — and never stopped reading. Now a rising senior at UGA, Michael is the youngest member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, co-host of the CheloniaCast biology podcast and a collaborator with leading turtle conservation organizations worldwide.  

Michael’s plate is full. He conducts research with John Maerz, Josiah Meigs Distinguished Professor of vertebrate ecology, studying the effects of habitat changes on endangered pond turtles. He also creates educational content that reaches listeners in over 70 countries! Michael’s student research spans from Georgia’s swamps to California’s urban creeks. He is co-author or first author on 13 scientific papers, published or in the review process, and has given 20 talks at professional symposia regarding turtle research.  

Even with his support from CURO, an Honors Experiential Learning Scholarship and the prestigious nation-wide Udall Scholarship, Michael needs help to keep up the pace. He is raising $3,000 to fund an undergraduate research assistant to help him with manuscripts, data analysis and outreach. This support ensures that both Michael and another UGA student can focus on science instead of side jobs.