Why YellowSpot? I chose the yellow spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) as the theme for this website because this critter was the “hook” that sparked my interest in biology. My high school biology teacher had a yellow spotted salamander in his classroom that I thought was beautiful. I can trace the path I have followed in my career as college biology major, field biologist, and teacher to the first time I saw a spotted salamander. It therefore seemed like a great mascot for my website designed for you as a potential biologist. Perhaps you will find something that “hooks” you as well! It might not be a yellow spotted salamander, and you might not become a biologist, but I hope you will develop a respect for the fascinating and elegant processes that you will uncover this year!
-Amy Newbold
