Undergraduate degree: University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. B.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Forest Science, with a Minor in English Literature, 2009.

Age: 27

Prior to SNRE: I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, West Africa, working with women's cooperatives and primary schools to increase the productivity of community gardens while extending information on conservation and environmental health. I also danced a lot.

Why Informatics/Conservation Ecology?: I chose Conservation Ecology because I am interested in conservation, and I have an ecology background. The plan-specific requirements allow for a very wide range of interests—so wide in fact, that I found it was possible to pursue the Environmental Informatics track without too much additional coursework. I did not have a lot of experience with RS/GIS or modeling before coming to SNRE, and I am thrilled that I am getting the opportunity to develop those skills in conjunction with the study of conservation.

The best part of SNRE so far: I like that there is a place for everybody. Environmental Informatics draws people with little to no experience (me) as well as people who have both studied and worked in the field. I really enjoy the freedom to apply the skills we learn to areas that interest us personally. In the Conservation Ecology track, you can focus on one type of ecosystem or aspect of conservation, or you can diversify your coursework according to a range of interests.

“SNREdiest” thing she’s done: Well, I really SNERded out on my political ecology paper this past semester. But I think the plan we have brewing to organize a school-wide hide and seek game in the Dana building might be more what you're looking for with this question. Think any faculty will participate?

After graduation: I hope to continue working with conservation and development, likely somewhere in Africa, but I am finding that the knowledge and experience I am developing here at SNRE is making me a better candidate for a variety of jobs in my chosen field. The possibilities are endless! Or at least plentiful.