My name is Antoni Nowacki, I'm currently a freshman at Bucknell University. I've decided to major in animal behavior, with a possible Art minor. I'm an international student, coming from Rzeszów in Poland. Back home I've always lived near the fields and the forest, which let me experience a variety of different animals. I've seen fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) in the Bieszczadzki National Park, and I've been catching sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) and blindworms (Anguis fragilis) since childhood. I spent the last 2 years studying in Moshi (Tanzania), where my childhood passion for animals was revitalized. I managed to go frog hunting in Arusha National Park, and even stood face to face with a cape buffalo. Throughout my time in Moshi, I also developed a particular affinity towards the Andrias genus, thanks to Karel Capek's "War with the Newts" book.

I decided to join the Takahashi Lab because I've always valued close encounters with wild animals. I hope my participation in this lab will not only introduce me to the world of scientific research, but give me the necessary information on how to investigate, treat and observe wild specimens with care. I also work at the Bucknell Farm as a Student Farmer, so matters of ecology and environmental health investigated in this laboratory are immensely relevant to me.

In my spare time I love drawing, singing, acting and listening to music. My plans for the future are to one day be able to conduct research like Prof. Takahashi in my own little niche of animals, and to use my art to educate others about how wonderful and diverse the animal kingdom is!