Student Development Working Group

B. A. in English Literature – University of Florida
B. S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation – University of Florida
M.S. in Biology – Kansas State University
PhD Candidate in Biology – Georgetown University

Emily first got involved in The Wildlife Society in undergrad, where she planned the University of Florida student chapter’s annual fundraiser, the Beast Feast. In the 17 years since, she has been involved in multiple TWS working groups and committees, is a member of the 2018 cohort of The Leadership Institute, and created the Early Career Professional Working Group’s Professional Development Grant in her tenure as Chair. Emily’s PhD research studies the within- and between-year movements of America’s favorite songbird, the American Robin. When she’s not spying on the secret lives of robins, Emily loves a good story, perfecting the flakiest biscuit, going out on a kayak, birding, and traveling to experience new places, foods, and cultures.

B.S. in Wildlife Conservation – Virginia Tech
M.S. in Environmental Science – Christopher Newport University
Masters thesis studying seasonal patterns of harbor seals in Virginia

I truly enjoyed my time as Chair of the SDWG, being able to represent students in such an amazing and profounding organization was my honor.
Outside of TWS, My true passion is marine biology, that is where my heart lies. But I am also passionate about wildlife policy and management. I love spending time outdoors with my pup and exploring new places!

B.S. in Wildlife and Natural Resource Conservation – University of Central Missouri
M.S. in Biology – University of Central Missouri

Prior to my involvement with the SDWG, I was a reporter and president for the University of Central Missouri’s student chapter, focusing on providing my chapter with new opportunities, including sending students to the North Central Section Student Conclave. I am currently finishing up my thesis on raccoon diet and disease in relation to urbanization, with prior work experience in nuisance wildlife control and natural resource interpretation. I love incorporating wildlife into my hobbies, whether that be art or TTRPGs.

BS in Wildlife and Forestry from Purdue University
MS in Biology from Wichita State University

I first got involved in TWS during my undergrad at Purdue University, where I was the North Central Section Undergraduate Rep, president of the Purdue Student Chapter, and helped to re-establish the NCS Conclave. Since moving to Kansas for my masters, I’ve relied on the SDWG to stay involved in TWS! My current project is looking at how cattle grazing on CRP grasslands affect the plant communities and wildlife habitat. In my free time, I love to bake, craft, and get outside!

I earned my bachelor’s degree in fisheries and wildlife science at Paul Smith’s College and am now doing my master’s at PSC looking at nocturnally migrating songbirds with acoustic monitoring. I am a huge bird nerd, but my favorites are ducks, especially sea ducks. In my free time, I enjoy birding and creating wildlife art. I’ve been a member of TWS for four years and am excited to work alongside the organization to connect students and help provide career and professional development opportunities!

BA in Biology from Hendrix College, Arkansas
DVM from Oregon State University, Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine
Current PhD Candidate also at the OSU CCVM in Wildlife Disease Ecology

My doctoral work explores host immunity across scales, from cellular mechanisms to landscape-level dynamics, using free-ranging African buffalo in Kruger National Park as a model system. I am particularly interested in how the intersection of wildlife, environment, and human health informs evidence-based management and conservation strategies. My goal is to eventually work within an agency system to bridge research and application, contributing to solutions that protect biodiversity while promoting ecosystem and human health.

I am originally from Memphis, TN but now live in Bloomington, Indiana where I am completing my Master of Environmental Science with a concentration in Ecology and Conservation. During my B.S. at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, I conducted field research on bottlenose dolphins, tree swallows, and carpenter bees. I am particularly interested in conservation behavior and how understanding animal behavior can improve wildlife management, as well as the role zoos play in wildlife conservation! When I am not working, I can be found kayaking, reading, painting, or geeking out over cool animals. I am thrilled to be serving as the Early Career Professional Liaison.

B.S in Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation from Berry College

Since completing my bachelors, I have worked internationally as a wildlife technician, most recently as an Andean Bear Research Assistant at the Wayqecha Biological Station in Peru. I am actively applying for masters programs, and have a long-term goal of completing a PhD and pursuing a career in carnivore research. In my free time, I love to travel and explore new cultures, rock climb, and immerse myself in the wilderness while backpacking! Working as a Board Member at Large has allowed me to help in so many different facets of the SDWG and I am excited to continue my role with the working group!

I am currently a 2nd year master’s student at Paul Smith’s College in the Adirondacks studying black bear hibernation. My background includes large mammal research like moose, deer, and bears, but I love to get my hands on any critter when there’s an opportunity! I am the Student Representative for the New York State Chapter, a Graduate Advisor for the Paul Smith’s College Chapter, and a member of the Leadership Institute Committee in addition to my SDWG duties. I am looking forward to creating resources that will be useful for students in both undergraduate and graduate programs so that they can be successful and confident in their abilities. In addition to duties with TWS, I enjoy spending my free time coaching and playing volleyball, working out, knitting, and reading.