Tell us about your first job after graduating.
My first job title out of undergrad was a Biological Science Technician. In this position, I managed interagency wildlife projects by balancing hands-on field research and disease surveillance with laboratory tracking, inventory systems, and team training. Additionally, my first job title out of graduate school was a Research Associate. I led human dimensions research by designing surveys, conducting interviews, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to help diverse agencies understand stakeholder attitudes toward feral swine and large predator management.
How did Warner College prepare you for your career?
Warner College provided me with a strong foundation in both the ecological and human dimensions of conservation, balancing hands-on field biology with advanced social science research methods. This training perfectly prepared me to bridge the gap between technical wildlife management, data analytics, and diverse public stakeholders in my career.
What advice would you give to current Warner College students?
Focus on mastering the human and data-driven sides of conservation just as much as the field biology, because managing wildlife always comes down to working with people. Embracing data software like R and ArcGIS, while building strong partnerships across different agencies, will truly set you apart as you step into your career.