I was with the Tick and Wildlife team last summer. That was the start of me doing a lot of things with Tyson. After the field season, Sasha started an urbanization project and I kept with it throughout the year.

Research was something you were interested in, beyond the summer. Could you tell me a little bit more about that?

I just graduated with a major in biology, the subject I was originally interested in when I started college. I'd always been interested in nature, wildlife, the outdoors, but thought it would just be a hobby. Then I did some field work a few summers ago, that I thought would be just for fun. Talking with the researchers ... it seemed like something I could actually turn into a career. So, I started shifting a bit. I kept biology, but general bio, so I could take the classes I wanted to instead of a specific track.

I joined the Tyson Conservation Corps, a student group that does outdoor work. I've just been loving the Tyson community. I like what I do. I've been really enjoying studying ecology more.

With all the things you’ve done with the Tick and Wildlife group, it sounds like you are inspired by science.

I’ve always been interested in nature. Now, actually doing science research and experiments, I’m getting deeper. I’m able to ask my own questions and understand what would go into getting an answer to that question. With science, we have new discoveries and evolve in our understanding of the world. Which is awesome.