Hawk Hands

Hawk Hands: Sadie Call ’25

Student ambassadors embody the values and mission of the university through their community engagement. The Alumni Ambassadors at UNCW are no exception as they are catalysts for campus life and advancement. These students are committed to UNCW’s success and will soar high after graduation. Sadie Call is one of these ambassadors and has made a positive impact at UNCW. Read below to learn more about her experience.

ABOUT YOU

Name: Sadie Call
Class Year: Senior
Major: Oceanography, with minors in Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Geospatial Technology
College: College of Science and Engineering
Hometown: New Kent, VA

YOUR SEAHAWK EXPERIENCE

Why did you choose to attend UNCW?

I chose UNCW mainly for the beach, but I loved the interactions between the people here. It's very friendly.

What does it mean to you to be a Seahawk?

Being a Seahawk means to be a representative of your campus. A Seahawk is a bright student, and who loves the community they are a part of. They put themselves out there to get to know the people they work closely with.

What is your favorite place on campus?

I love the Discovery Hall Library Lookout Room.

What campus student organizations are you part of (outside of Ambassadors)?

I am involved in the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). I am also part of Epsilon Eta Phi Honors Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Epsilon Honors Fraternity, Overflow, UNCW Club Field Hockey, UNCW Club Swimming, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and UNCW Plastic Ocean Project (POP).

What is an accomplishment at UNCW that you are proud of?

I received a government internship that turned into a full-time position at the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). I work as an Ecotoxicologist with Dr. Frances Nilsen and Dr. Ralph Mead through the Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Testing Network at the Center for Marine Science (CMS).

How do you balance your work/school responsibilities with your personal life?

Time management is very important. I have a planner for everything (Outlook calendar, google calendar, physical planner) –– you name it I have it. I also try to be very intentional with my interactions with people, so my time is not wasted.

How have you grown during your time at UNCW?

I have grown during my time at UNCW through my interactions with the people I meet. I have done a lot of networking with colleagues, professors, students, and staff to get where I am today. I do not regret any decision I have made on this campus.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

I am planning on working with NCDEQ for about a year after graduation. I plan to go to grad school at Virginia Institute of Marine Science for a master's degree in environmental and ecotoxicology. After grad school, I would like to work in a government research setting studying effects of emerging contaminants on marine life, then obtain a PhD in biomedical sciences with a focus on environmental toxicology on human health.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

After getting your bachelor's degree, go somewhere else for a different perspective. Grow your abilities to do to what you love.

What advice do you have for students looking to be involved on campus?

Take a chance. If you think you want to get involve, try everything you can. You are only here for four years, and if you don't like it, that's okay. There are so many options on campus to find your place.

YOUR AMBASSADOR EXPERIENCE

Why did you decide to become an Ambassador with the Division of Advancement?

I wanted to be involved with a community that represented the university, and I wanted to get students to be involved with their campus and the people that are involved in making your experience the best it possibly can be.

What is an accomplishment with the Ambassadors that you are most proud of?

I organized, planned, and made the 29th Oozeball happen last year as the Vice President of Programs in 2024.

How has being an Ambassador set you up for success after graduation?

They have shown me how to put my name out there and network my strengths to others in my field.

What advice would you share with your peers about getting involved with Advancement events and campaigns?

Sign up for any Advancement event, or if you are not an Ambassador, come out to campus Advancement events, like Seahawks Give. They are all so much fun and you make so many memories.

What has being an Ambassador taught you about philanthropy and giving back to UNCW (through time, talent & treasure)?

Philanthropy and giving back to UNCW is important to keeping this campus bright, shiny, and new. It gives UNCW the opportunity to advance our campus further, and donors make this possible.