Ehren James Bentz

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“I love to get away from human dominated areas and find places that have been left untouched by man. I find the natural world very interesting and I plan to spend my life studying it.”

  • Program: 2010 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Greenville, CA
  • Hometown: Greenville, CA
  • Age: 28

Biography

 

PROFILE: A future herpetologist (a zoologist specializing in reptiles and amphibians) and former Marine with two Iraq combat tours under his belt, Ehren Bentz graduated with honors from community college near his hometown in rural northeastern California. Finding peace and quiet in the countryside was not hard for Ehren as a child: his boyhood home is nestled close by the Plumas National Forest. He said his respect for the beauty of nature came naturally. “I grew to love the outdoors and spent most of my time there.”

INSPIRATION: Anna Thompson, Ehren’s biology professor at Feather River College, had the greatest influence over his future career and academic choices. “Anna saw potential in me, and she was there every step of the way offering encouragement and instruction that went far beyond the classroom, often spending hours of her personal time to assist me with various projects.”

ASPIRATION: With Ehren’s passion for the natural world rekindled by his time in community college, he discovered a burning interest in zoology, herpetology, and biochemistry. In these disciplines, Ehren hopes to make his contribution.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: “When I was 17 years old, my daughter was born,” Ehren said. “Throughout my entire adult life I have been a father, and that has given me good reason to try to succeed in life. “She is now 9-years-old, and I am very proud to have raised her to become a good person. She has been one of the most influential parts of my life. I believe one of the most important things a person can do is to raise children well, and I am very proud to have done that.”

ACCOLADES: While in the Marine Corps, Ehren received the 2005 Marine of the Quarter Award, signifying his leadership and technical and critical thinking abilities. At Feather River College he received the Outstanding Freshman Biology Student Award and recently was chosen by Avila University as an REU (Research Experience for Undergraduates) Scholar.

INTERESTING FACT: Ehren’s always had a large number of pets and currently cares for over 100 reptiles, amphibians, and fish in his home.

 

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