My Story
I am originally from Connecticut and spent much of my childhood outdoors, discovering a passion for wildlife through my experiences hunting, fishing, and hiking. My interest in conservation work has been driven by these long-term personal interests and hobbies and have
only grown stronger through my academic and professional experience.
Traveling has been at the center of my life, leading me on all kinds of adventures. I've trekked rim-to-rim across the Grand Canyon, climbed Mount Washington, spent summers in Montana,
and studied abroad in Costa Rica. But one of the most pivotal experiences during my
undergraduate years was a summer conservation internship back home in Connecticut at Steep Rock Association, the largest non-profit land trust in the state. There, I conducted dragonfly and
damselfly surveys to gauge species richness in a small area in the northwest corner of the state. In addition to this, I monitored Wood Turtle nests and American Kestrel nesting boxes, and banded fledglings. These field work experiences reinforced my passion and career goals.
My journey has now taken me to UNL, accepting a graduate position working on experimental duck hunting regulations in Nebraska and South Dakota. This opportunity feels like a full-circle
moment, allowing me to work with the hunting community I feel deeply connected to and learn more about the vital link between hunting and conservation. Wildlife conservation and natural resource management are unique fields that are much more interdisciplinary and crucial areas of study for our future, ensuring that ecosystems remain balanced and resilient. Preserving these resources is essential not only for the health of our planet but also for maintaining the outdoor hobbies and traditions that many of us cherish. By protecting wildlife habitats and managing
natural resources responsibly, we can ensure that future generations have the same opportunities to experience the beauty and thrill of the outdoors as we have.