Why did you choose to attend LSU? 
My motivation for choosing LSU was the amazing Natural Resources, Ecology, and Management program. I really value the small size of the School of Renewable Natural Resources, but LSU being a part of a large land-grant institution also provides ample opportunities. Additionally, I wanted to get involved in hands-on ecology fieldwork like bird banding and electrofishing within my first year.

What extracurricular programs are you involved in?  
I currently work in a wildlife ecology lab under Dr. Ashley Long, where I have assisted with agricultural extension and compiled data from wildlife camera trap photos. On campus, I am currently a member of the Pre-Veterinary Club, Wildlife Society, and Feminists in Action here at LSU. I am also a volunteer at the LSU Veterinary School’s Raptor Center, where I assist with feeding and training of the resident raptors.

How have you used, or how do you intend to use, your Stamps Scholar enrichment funds? 
I hope to use the majority of my enrichment funding to travel to South Africa and assist with big cat or primate conservation efforts. With the remainder of the funds, I plan on traveling and completing internships at zoos around the country like the Smithsonian National Zoo. These enrichment activities will not only allow me to gain experience in my field that will be crucial for veterinary school applications, but they will also enable me to begin assisting with the protection of exotic and zoo animals.

What are your future career aspirations?  
I plan to become a zoo veterinarian and conservation biologist. My ultimate goal is to assist in increasing populations of endangered and vulnerable species, while also improving the welfare of animals in captivity. I believe that zoos are imperative to protecting and maintaining biodiversity, and I want to help ensure that zoo animals are kept ethically. Specifically, I hope to assist in managing survival plans with the Association of Zoo & Aquariums. Lastly, I want to work to improve habitat conditions and enrichment requirements for animals in captivity.