UIUC Promotes Student Engagement

The University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign (UIUC) Student Chapter has been providing their members with several learning opportunities and field trips. Students participated in a firearms training under the instruction of certified range instructors from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute. Knowing how to safely and properly operate a firearm is a valuable technique for wildlife professionals as it may be needed in wildlife-related careers. In addition, dart guns, which operate in a similar way to firearms, are used in many wildlife research studies. Isha Robertson, President of UIUC’s Student Chapter, attended the training and said, “It was a tiring yet inspiring day.” Student chapter members also toured the Exotic Feline Rescue Center in Center Point, IN, where they were able to go behind the scenes and learn about lions, leopards, tigers, and servals.

The chapter has hosted several guest speakers during recent general meetings, including Suzie Marlow from Conservation Canines and her CK9 Ranger. Jordana Meyer, a UIUC graduate, also presented to student members about a study abroad program in Tanzania and her research on the mating systems and hormones of elephants. UIUC Student Chapter is in the process of planning a fishing day with the student chapter of the American Fisheries Society. Members look forward to other events and trips in the near future.

For more information on how to promote engagement within your student chapter please see TWS Student Chapter Toolkit for Success.

Sources: The September Issue of The Wildlifer, Isha Robertson, https://www.facebook.com/groups/165683637551/