Peyton Gardner

Peyton Gardner

UNCG

Clemmons,

Roles at NAAEE

Languages

Interests

Conservation, Ecosystems, Marine

I’m Peyton Gardner, an Environmental & Sustainability Studies major with a Biology minor at UNCG, graduating in Spring 2026. My academic and research interests focus on marine ecology, coral reef eco-physiology, and the impacts of microplastics on marine systems. I currently work as a fish behavioral specialist at Pet Supplies Plus, where I help customers maintain healthy freshwater aquariums, and I conduct undergraduate research in longleaf pine restoration. With a strong background in environmental stewardship, fieldwork, and community engagement, I’m passionate about connecting behavioral physiology and conservation to support healthier ecosystems for the future.

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I’m Peyton Gardner, an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) majoring in Environmental & Sustainability Studies (Natural Science concentration) and minoring in Biology. My academic focus is on marine ecology, coral reef eco-physiology, and microplastics toxicology, with long-term goals of pursuing graduate studies in Marine Biology (programs I’m exploring include UNC-Wilmington, University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School, and Texas A&M Corpus Christi).

Research Experience

  • Koerner Lab (UNCG, BIO 499 Research): I work under PhD candidate Jordan Winter on longleaf pine restoration, studying ecotypic variation and resilience in climate-impacted ecosystems. This includes field data collection, plant measurements, and restoration monitoring.

  • Course-based fieldwork: My coursework has taken me to NC rivers (Dan River, French Broad) and campus field sites, where I’ve gained experience in paddling ecology trips, weathering/bedrock outcrop studies, and biodiversity surveys.

Professional Experience

  • Fish Behavioral Specialist, Pet Supplies Plus: I specialize in freshwater tropical aquariums, advising customers on fish health, illness treatment, and home tank ecology. This role blends my scientific knowledge with public education and customer service.

  • Past employment includes roles in hospitality, customer service, and tourism, where I honed leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

Leadership & Activities

  • Environmental Science Club (Founder, Calvary Day School): Built an active space for environmental education and stewardship.

  • Volunteer work includes Crosby Scholars, Senior Services, and Tori’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, reflecting my commitment to community service.

  • MarineQuest (UNCW): Attended as a student, expanding my exposure to hands-on marine science.

  • Cheerleading: 12 years of competitive experience, including leadership roles (co-captain) and UCA All-Star status.

Interests & Future Goals

I aim to bridge behavioral physiology and conservation — studying how marine organisms respond to stressors like microplastics and climate change, and applying that knowledge to ecosystem restoration and conservation policy.

Here are some links that connect to my areas of interest:

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