I completed my master’s degree in 2016 through Miami University at Oxford.

My degree is in Biology with a focus on community conservation.

My master’s thesis revolved around bridging the gap between local communities and conservation initiatives. I specialized in large cat conservation for the purpose of my research in Namibia.

I envision a future where conservation organizations are listening to the voice of the community they are serving in conservation planning. This is a pivotal piece in creating a more equitable conservation and climate change movement.

A few of my titles were: Human Impacts on Cheetah Conservation Efforts in Namibia, The Implications of Ecotourism on Bengal Tiger Conservation Within India’s Protected Areas, Advancements of Camera Trapping Technology in Big Cat Conservation, Altruism and Maternal Adaptations in the Female Lion, Cheetah Conservation Tools: Education & Prey Base Preservation, and Connecting Local Community to Global Conservation Through Art.

 

Coursework:

  • Conservation Research at Living Collection Institutions

  • Conservation Science & Community

  • Issues in Biodiversity

  • Biology in the Age of Technology

  • Socio-Ecological Methods in Conservation

  • Professional Media Workshop

  • Environmental Stewardship & Conservation Education

  • Leadership in Science Inquiry

From 2014 to 2016, I worked closely with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance staff in the area’s of population sustainability and community engagement.

Fieldwork:

I traveled to Namibia, Africa to work with the Cheetah Conservation Fund.

In partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens and Miami University, my fieldwork was focused on how conservation organizations succeed through communication and partnerships with local communities to protect wildlife. Some of that was done by participating in ongoing research at the Cheetah Conservation Fund like:

  • drafting copy on the role of the cheetah;

  • radio tracking;

  • cheetah physiology;

  • ecosystem management; and,

  • the design of school and community programs in Namibia.

I also participated in a 24-hour waterhole survey and full moon game count collecting data to track species diversity in Otjiwarongo.

 
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