Weslyn McIntosh, a junior conservation biology major in LMU’s College of Mathematics, Sciences and Health Professions (CMSPH), has been awarded the Tennessee Chapter of the Wildlife Society’s (TN TWS) Undergraduate Student Scholarship, becoming the first LMU student to receive the honor in the program’s history.
This marks the first year that students from LMU have been eligible to apply for the competitive statewide scholarship. The award is presented annually at the TN TWS conference, where undergraduate students from across the state apply and are evaluated for academic excellence, leadership, and professional experience in wildlife science.
Established in 2014, the scholarship awards up to two $1,000 scholarships each year to students pursuing degrees in wildlife biology or related disciplines. McIntosh was selected from a strong pool of applicants representing colleges and universities across Tennessee.
McIntosh’s passion for conservation began early. She grew up near the Red River Gorge Geological Area in eastern Kentucky, spending much of her childhood outdoors. Those formative experiences sparked a deep appreciation for wildlife and conservation, shaping her academic path.
At LMU, Weslyn has combined academic rigor with leadership and athletic discipline. A dedicated student-athlete, she competes in cross country and track and field while maintaining excellence in the classroom. She currently serves as vice president of the LMU student chapter of the TWS, further demonstrating her commitment to the profession.
Her undergraduate research experience extends beyond campus and across borders. During the summer of 2025, Weslyn traveled to Costa Rica with faculty mentor Dr. LaRoy Brandt to research amphibian biodiversity in Caribbean lowland rainforests. Funded by the Appalachian College Association (ACA) Ledford Undergraduate Research Program, her project focused on quantifying anuran species using bioacoustic monitoring at the La Suerete Biological Field Station in Limón, Costa Rica.
McIntosh presented her research as a poster at the TN TWS March 2026 annual meeting, where the scholarship recipients were announced.
“I am so pleased that Weslyn was awarded this competitive, statewide scholarship from the Tennessee Chapter of the Wildlife Society,” said Dr. Barbara Shock, chair of the biology and chemistry department at LMU. “She is an example of what a student-athlete at LMU can achieve, and I am glad the awards committee recognized her dedication to wildlife scholarship and research. I hope that many more LMU students receive this scholarship in the future.”
Following graduation, Weslyn plans to pursue a career in environmental consulting, with a focus on speleology and terrestrial ecosystems. The scholarship will support her continued academic and professional development as she prepares to enter the wildlife conservation field.
Weslyn hopes her journey encourages other students to reflect on what drives them.
She acknowledges that choosing a path in science takes commitment and confidence, particularly in specialized fields. Through research, leadership and mentorship, she has found clarity in her purpose and a desire to contribute to conservation through science-based solutions.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in the liberal arts and professional studies. The university’s main campus is located in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about undergraduate and graduate programs, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email admissions@lmunet.edu.
