Iver Dence J. Janda is a driven and passionate 3rd-year student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, taking up a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a specialization in Animal Biology. Being given the opportunity to be an intern at the University of the Philippines – Museum of Natural History gave him great honor and privilege, not just as a student but as a curious little kid from a little hometown in Oriental Mindoro.

Even as a kid, Iver was very curious about nature and how things work. From the crawling ants to the swift-moving mudskipper in a nearby river, he was very fascinated by how things behave, especially animals. Surrounded by nature, he found himself in awe at how nature can cohabitate with people. However, the increase in population has led to a decrease in biodiversity in his hometown. This has led him to pursue biology to help not just nature but also the people who were deeply affected.

Throughout the 250-hour internship at the UPLB-MNH, this has ignited his drive to pursue and love biology more. Experiencing field work such as herping, catching bats by setting up mist nets, and also bird watching has been an eye-opener to him on the reason why he pursued biology. Being rotated to different sections of the museum and with great supervision from Sir Flor, Sir Edison, and Sir Julius, they have instilled in him their knowledge and expertise from years of being in the field and the ways of a biologist. He learned that studying by the books is not enough to be a great biologist but experiencing them firsthand will transform him into a true one.

Iver gives thanks to all the UPLB-MNH staff for accommodating their stay in the museum. As a biology student, this experience has made him braver in challenging himself to do great not just for himself and his family but for the community that he loves.
Soon, even though he is torn between being a marine biologist and a wildlife biologist, he will pursue a master’s degree in biology.