Wildlife
Wildlife Ecology was my chosen concentration of focus because I believe non-human animals to be far more awesome than humans in just about every way. I have wanted to work with animals for as long as I can remember, and I am eager to make an impact in the world of biology and conservation.
 Holding an African Pygmy Mouse during small mammal capture and tagging research |
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 A lioness with her cub at the Hlane Royal National Park in Swaziland |
 A Crested Barbet in one of the Sherman traps; this guy was recaptured for three consecutive days. I suppose free food will do that to you. |
 Looking over the Mbuluzi River that ran along our camp |
 Resting in a nook in Baboon Cave; hike to get there about nearly killed me |
 More smammal research |
 The pygmy mice were very cute and I have little self control |
 Prettiest bird I've ever seen: a lilac breasted roller at Kruger |
 Kruger National Park: a place where Kudu often serve as road blocks. Casual. |
 This is his 'I'm contemplating killing you' face. |
 A very excited elephant at Kruger National Park |
 Moment of a lifetime right here |
 Laissez les bons temps rouler. |
Africa
In the summer of 2015, I was a part of the first LSU study abroad trip through the school of Renewable Natural Resources. Titled African Wildlife Ecology, it was one of the most culturally and ecologically enlightening experiences of my life. We learned about small mammal trapping and tagging, bird surveying, local plant taxonomy, and Afican culture as it pertains to wildlife.
Miscellaneous
Thanks to taking a senior level Wildlife Management Techniques class, then working as an undergraduate Teaching Assistant for the same class, I’ve gained extensive hands-on experience with a variety of wildlife. I’ve also had the wonderful opportunity to teach younger/other students how to handle and manage different species.
 Capturing humming birds for banding |
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 Newly banded ruby-throated hummingbird |
 Scoping gopher tortoise burrows at Sandy Hollow WMA |
 Capturing mourning doves for banding |
 Releasing a banded mourning dove |
 Handling a corn snake |
 A feral pig having a bad day |
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 Clearly I enjoyed myself |
 The worst smell I have encountered to date |
 Science |
 Science |
 Science |
 Sorting stomach contents |
 A day in the life of a hog's diet |
Feral Pigs
My first job in the Renewable Natural Resources building was as a research lab technician for an ongoing feral pig diet study through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. This job was a doorway into working in many of the departmental labs, and I loved the unseen side of science for every disgusting moment.
