In high school, Brian Mitchell ’26 was a self-described unmotivated student who wasn't interested in college.  

Today, fresh off academic excursions to Belize and Miami, the biology major plans to attend graduate school after he works some seasonal jobs with opportunities to travel and work with wildlife. 

“I think that I’m an entirely different person now than I was when I arrived at Colby-Sawyer,” said Mitchell, who minors in chemistry and environmental studies.

“The people I’ve met here and the places the college has sent me have shaped me into a much better version of myself, while keeping me connected to the things I’ve always been passionate about.” 

Sharks are one of those passions. And the two recent hands-on educational trips in Florida and Belize fortified his nearly lifelong fascination with the animal.  

Last fall, Mitchell took an online course with a field component — Biology and Ecology of Sharks and Their Relatives — with the Center for Wildlife Studies, 

He called it a dream come true. Mitchell learned from an instructor who is a renowned shark biologist, author and conservationist, then he boarded a research vessel to collect data that will advance conservation efforts. 

“Since sharks are top predators, their existence is very important to the health of our oceans. Overfishing is far and above the biggest threat to sharks. They're especially threatened because they mature slowly, reproduce infrequently and have relatively few offspring,” he said.

“People find them scary, but the chances of them harming you are astronomically low.” 

In January, Mitchell traveled to Belize as part of his Tropical Communities Integrative Experience Field Studies course. Prior to the trip, students learned about how climate change is impacting coral reefs and ways Belizeans are building resilience.

The class, taught by Associate Professor Chery Whipple, also included lessons about Maya culture and the nation's flora and fauna and education structure. 

“We spent the first few days exploring the jungle, but for the rest of the trip we stayed on an island and snorkeled the Belize Barrier Reef,” said Mitchell. “I got to swim with a huge swarm of beautiful nurse sharks."  

Growing up on Cape Cod, Mitchell has long been fascinated by the sea. “I like to think that the Cape is the best place to live in the whole world,” he said. “Living there inspired a sort of awe and reverence toward the ocean.” 

Mitchell’s parents understood and cultivated his interests. His father, who loves to sail, has a background in marine policy and education. And Mitchell and his mother watched Shark Week together and went to the beach to explore. 

During his youth, Mitchell connected more easily with animals than with most people. “My best friend was my childhood dog, Mintaka,” he said.

“I’ve always been fascinated with wild animals, too, and the idea of species going extinct made me sad. I felt personally connected to the problem. I’ve felt called to wildlife and nature conservation from a young age.” 

He's pursued that calling through other enriching experiences while at Colby-Sawyer, as well, including at Tvärminne Zoological Station in Finland and with NOLS (North Cascades  Mountaineering) in Washington state. 

At Tvärminne Zoological Station, Mitchell interned with Professor Emerit Ben Steele on a research project focused on nesting behavior of the common eider in the Baltic Sea. 

The population of the flagship species is declining due to various pressures, including increased predation by invasive and noninvasive predators. Mitchell’s job involved traveling from island to island by boat and handling baby seabirds to collect data. 

“The experience was amazing, allowing me to further develop my skills, meet amazing people and immerse myself in a country that I would have otherwise not been able to visit,” he said. ‘It was life changing.” 

During a NOLS mountaineering course, Mitchell earned college credit while hiking more than 130 miles, living on mountaintops and in the wilderness, and learning about environmental science in North Cascades National Park.  

“I learned how to tolerate harsh conditions and live well outdoors,” he said. “I had no contact with the outside world the whole time and it really put some things into perspective and deepened my connection with nature. I think the skills I gained will translate well to my career goals of being a field research scientist.” 

Mitchell, who learned about Colby-Sawyer from a high school friend, was drawn to the school and its many outdoor opportunities. 

During Mitchell’s campus tour, Professor Nicholas Baer talked with him about how the biology major could align with his interests in wildlife and conservation.

“And what clinched the deal was the invite to join the men’s soccer team,” said Michell. “That was a great experience that allowed me to continue playing the sport I love, stay motivated and meet my closest friends.” 

Baer is now Mitchell’s advisor for his Capstone research project examining effects of human activity at Mount Sunapee Resort on aquatic life in Beck Brook.  

“The past couple of years at Colby-Sawyer have shown me," Mitchell said, “that if you pursue the things that would make your childhood self happy, you’ll always find yourself fulfilled.”