Ethan Holland - '25
Snake Smuggling Doc Shows Holland’s Love for Science and Storytelling
When SWU senior Ethan Holland accidentally enrolled in a majors-only molecular biology course while still a high school student, he did something surprising—he didn’t drop the course. That decision launched an unexpected journey merging his passion for storytelling with environmental science.
“It was a series of happy little accidents,” Holland says of his path to becoming both a media communications and environmental studies major. On the recommendation of his high school English teacher Mrs. Keaton, Holland came to SWU for dual enrollment courses. Though he was already planning to major in Media Communications, a friend had praised the teaching of science professor Dr. Michele Eller, so Holland signed up for what turned out to be a majors-only molecular biology course. The following semester, he enrolled in Dr. Jeff Mohr’s organismal biology class. “That first day,” Holland says, “I fell in love with the topic.”
Now that unexpected passion has evolved into an innovative honors project: a documentary about reptile smuggling in the United States. Through interviews with people like Department of Natural Resources officer Andrew Grosse, Holland combines scientific knowledge with storytelling techniques learned under Media Communications professor Dr. Lewis Knight.
His media journey began at the 2020 SWU Literary Festival, where meeting Dr. Knight revealed the Media Communication program’s storytelling focus. That foundation, combined with Holland’s growing environmental expertise, shaped his unique approach to conservation journalism. Through his documentary, he’s building connections with nonprofit organizations and conservation experts working to protect threatened species.
“To a lot of people, wildlife conservation seems like a distant issue,” Holland says. “But these are real people with the same passions I have. I could become one of them.”
The documentary examines the evolution of reptile smuggling, current threats to animals, and local protection efforts. His dual expertise has proven invaluable. “Understanding the science helps me connect with these experts,” Holland explains. “When they know I understand what’s at stake, they’re more willing to share their stories.”
Though his post-graduation plans remain open, Holland is confident in his unique skill set. Whether he ends up with the DNR, at a national park, or in a newsroom, he’s determined to keep telling stories that matter. “Wherever the Lord takes me, I know I’ll be doing something that makes a difference.”
While his creative writing explores fictional worlds, tackling themes of perfectionism and Christian identity, Holland sees a common thread in all his work. “All stories share some truth,” he reflects. “Whether I’m writing fantasy or documenting wildlife smuggling, the goal is the same: making an impact on my audience.”