Class Year

10

Current Hometown:

Williamsburg, Virginia

Job and Employer

Fish and Wildlife Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Work:

My work focuses on species listed under the Endangered Species Act that are found in Virginia. My day can include reviewing projects that may impact these species, attending meetings, conducting site visits and field work, or writing biological opinions. I also get to work with a wonderful team of people and drive through a national park every day on my way to work.

Community work & family

As a side job, I work at a local winery on weekends and I’m training for my first road race. I’ve
also enjoyed exploring the great hiking and biking we have here in Virginia.

Graduate School

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Graduation Year

2016

Degree

M.S. Environmental Conservation

Senior project:

Molecular Genetics and Conservation of the Spiny Dogfish, Squalus acanthias, in the Gulf of Maine

Internship:

Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, Mote Marine Laboratory

Human ecology in action:

Being able to communicate with people and groups with different viewpoints was something I
really started to learn at COA and that has helped me throughout my career. The ability to think
through how people in different roles may view an issue has allowed me to approach meetings
and conversations on contentious topics with the tools to facilitate a productive outcome.

Considerations for prospective students:

Pursuing many different interests during my time at COA was incredibly valuable and in many
ways has mirrored my career path since COA. I was able to explore topics related to science,
art, and education through classes, work, and volunteering that helped me identify my strengths,
areas where I wanted to improve, and let me rule out some career options. I ultimately found a
job where I can bring many of these experiences together.