Class of 2025: Evan Beall finds purpose in fish conservation and its community
Evan Beall at the Duck Pond on Virginia tech's Blacksburg campus. Photo courtesy of Beall.
Name: Evan Beall
Major: Fish conservation
Plans after graduation: Gain additional field and data experience through internships and explore potential graduate school pathways
Favorite lab or experience: Frimpong Lab and the Virginia Tech American Fisheries Society chapter
Finding purpose
As a senior majoring in fish conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, Beall spent his undergraduate years exploring how to protect and understand aquatic ecosystems. This fall, his commitment to research, field experience, and service was recognized with the 2025 Phi Kappa Phi Medallion Award. Only one graduating senior in each college receives this honor.
For Beall, the recognition reflects both personal growth and the support he found throughout his academic journey.
“This award is a reminder of all the progress I have made throughout my college journey, even when I think I may not be doing enough,” he said. “It is also a representation of the support I have found on this journey, which made that progress possible.”
Beall found a strong foundation in the Frimpong Lab, where he gained field experience and had the opportunity to work with the fish species that first inspired him to pursue a degree in fish conservation. These hands-on experiences helped solidify his interests and taught him what real-world fieldwork looks like.
He also served on the executive board of the Virginia Tech American Fisheries Society. Through leadership and outreach roles, Beall strengthened his communication and teaching skills, which he sees as essential to a successful career in conservation.
Drawing inspiration from others
His academic experience expanded even further through his work in Professor Sally Entrekin’s lab, where he was introduced to new research approaches and a community of students and mentors who encouraged him to explore his potential.
“I owe a lot to Dr. Entrekin for making me a part of her lab,” he said. “It broadened my skillset and helped me meet amazing people.”
Across labs, organizations, and coursework, Beall said the people around him shaped his success.
“I could not have done any of this without my professors, the faculty I have spent time with, and the friends who have been there with me and for me,” he said. “Every individual represents a network of people. For me, the network I was able to find here is what made this award possible.”
Looking ahead, Beall plans to continue gaining experience so he can refine his long-term career goals. After graduation, he hopes to explore a variety of pathways, including field positions in the region as well as GIS and data-focused internships within the wildlife field. He is also considering graduate school once he has a better sense of the direction he wants to pursue.
Written by Leila Christopher
