Jessica Deville is a current student in HDNR’s Communications for Conservation Graduate Certificate, while simultaneously working for a zoo in New Orleans. The flexible CSU Online program allows Deville to build her skills on her own time. In October, she visited Fort Collins to see the town, campus, and meet the C4C Program Lead, Jamie Dahl.
Q & A with Jessica Deville:
Are you working in a related lab or job simultaneously with school? If so tell us about it!
“Yes! I work full time at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA. I am part of the Learning & Engagement department and was a Guest Engagement Specialist – I was recently promoted to Coordinator level thanks in large part to my participation and eventual completion of this program!”
What current courses interest you the most and why?
“NR572 (Strategic Comms for Conservation) which I am taking currently and NR570 (Conservation Managers – Media Comms) which I plan to take in the Spring. I have some amateur experience creating conservation content to communicate with audiences (brochures, flyers, website content, presentations, etc.) but these courses seem like they will give me a more solid foundation for not only creating, but assessing the effectiveness, of this work.”
What is your dream job?
“Conservation science journalist for NPR or BBC, or wildlife documentary maker. Something that allows me to be creative and tell stories that connect people to wildlife and nature, and inspire them to take action to protect biodiversity.”
What has been the most enjoyable part of your HDNR journey thus far?
“It’s been really wonderful getting learn about the backgrounds of my classmates and to see that many people already working in the field of conservation value the importance of effective communication – we recognize a need to develop these skills so that we can not only be better conservation messengers, but inspire others to take action.”
Why did you choose HDNR ?
“I was looking for a flexible, affordable graduate program to expand my professional skills.”
Deville will complete the Communications for Conservation Graduate Certificate in Spring of 2024. To learn more about Communications for Conservation: https://col.st/qMb4r