Recognizing women in STEM: Bliss Murphy’s road to reptiles

UTC environmental science major Bliss Murphy has been working at the Chattanooga Zoo since summer 2023. Photo by Angela Foster.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student Bliss Murphy was recently recognized by Gig City Girls for her accomplishments in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Murphy, a sophomore environmental science major from Chattanooga, was featured on Gig City Girls posters found in Hamilton County Schools classrooms during Women’s History Month. Gig City Girls, which began as a coding club in a single classroom, now reaches more than 700 students. The organization aims to empower young women to chase their dreams in various STEM fields.

Murphy, who said she always had a knack for reptiles and amphibians, wanted to figure out where science could lead her.

In high school, she met Paul-Erik Bakland, a UTC alumnus and herpetology teacher at East Hamilton High School. She decided to take his class, which ignited a spark in her to look into possible career paths.

“His enthusiasm for protecting these species really rubbed off on me,” Murphy said. “This was the job for me.”

By her senior year, Murphy helped start a herpetology club that catered to her interests, allowing her to present at conferences and display her research. The club now works to raise money for organizations that benefit the well-being and conservation of reptiles.

Upon arrival at UTC, Murphy started working with Dr. Thomas Wilson, a UC Foundation professor in the Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science. Through Wilson, she was able to work with endangered tortoises, which sparked another passion for Murphy––animal husbandry.

“I got in touch with Dr. Wilson immediately because he has endangered tortoises here on campus,” she said, “and he began training me how to care for them.”

In 2023, when Murphy learned about an internship at the Chattanooga Zoo where she would work with reptiles and amphibians, she knew she had to apply—and landed a summer internship.

The zoo recognized her work ethic and knowledge in her field, creating a position for her to stay on staff. Murphy was hired as a keeper apprentice.

She is now working on expanding the zoo’s Hiwassee Hellbender Conservation Program and feels the knowledge she has gained has made her dream a tangible reality. She was also recently offered an additional six months on her seasonal contract.

“I am grateful for the resources I’ve had throughout my time,” Murphy said. “This internship was my first paid job ever. I was nervous about being autistic and neurodivergent; I thought my chances of getting a job or finding one where I felt like I belonged would be slim.

“Through people who were open and accepting of me, I have found my way to getting all these opportunities and finding connections through everyone who has been so inclusive. I feel safe, I feel accomplished and proud of where I’ve come.”

Knowing she is inspiring young women is something Murphy said is touching to her.

“I am honored to be a part of this because I did not feel a close connection to any role models,” she said, “particularly because I didn’t feel they represented me. I realize now that it was likely due to my neurodivergence that there weren’t many female role models I could relate to.

“Hopefully, I could be that to someone so they can be inspired sooner. I hope to be an influence for any woman following their passion.”