Why did you choose SFS as a study abroad program?

I have always been drawn to Africa, its land and its people, and SFS provided an opportunity to do ecological field work while experiencing Kenyan culture and a completely simplified way of life.

Reflecting back on your time in the program, what did you gain from your SFS experience?

From SFS, I gained life-long friends, working relationships with colleagues, and an appreciation for the challenges facing people and wildlife in East Africa and the multi-dimensional challenges of carrying out conservation and research initiatives. I experienced a sense of wonder, awe and adventure on a daily basis and truly felt alive.

What is your most profound or lasting memory from your SFS program?

It is hard to just pick one experience, as everyday was truly a new adventure, but I do remember many amazing moments in the Masai Mara when I felt like I was getting a glimpse of life on the Earth before the human footprint was so pervasive. I just thought, 'wow, this is how it should be.'  I saw animals grazing together at a water hole, Thompson's gazelles giving birth, and millions of migrating wildebeest walking off into the sunset. The cycle of life and death played out before me as I watched a cheetah eat a recent kill. The profound sense of the interconnectedness of it all and the beauty of life was engulfing.

What do you do for work?

I manage all aspects of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo competitive grants programs. This involves reviewing about 150 proposals each year on a variety of topics, species and areas all around the world. I coordinate other scientists and experts to help in the review process, determine award winners, follow up on paperwork and finances, maintain correspondence with awardees and get updates and reports on their projects.

Recently, through my position as a conservation grants administrator I was able to facilitate collaboration with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the work being carried out at the SFS Center for Wildlife Management in Kenya by Researcher John Kioko Masila. After the SFS program, we stayed in touch, and I encouraged him to submit a proposal for his Ph.D. work studying the socio-economics of elephant corridors in the communities outside of Amboseli National Park. We will be funding elements of the project over then next three years. I am happy to be able to be in a position to help support and further the professional development of a person whom I learned so much from through my SFS experience.

In addition to grant administration, I work with watershed stewardship groups and other local conservation organizations in Northeast Ohio. I get to do some field surveys and work on habitat restoration and stewardship projects, and I am involved with captive breeding and reintroduction programs involving imperiled species in Ohio.

Did your SFS experience contribute to where you ended up?

Most definitely. My SFS experience changed the direction of my studies toward applied conservation work and encouraged me to pursue a graduate degree in Conservation Biology. It also encouraged me to pursue more international opportunities and work experience. I have since worked in Mexico, Belize, Dominican Republic and Ecuador. This has helped me greatly with my current job at the Zoo as I interact with researchers all around the world.

Is it "who you know" or "what you know" in your field?

It is both. Knowing certain people and having certain experiences can certainly open some doors. Continuing to network and maintain relationships with people that you meet and work with is always a good thing to do as well. However, once you are given a chance, it will quickly become a matter of what you know and how well you are able to accomplish your job.

What are the two most essential skills that got you to your position?

First, I have continued to expand my knowledge have tried to view every experience as an opportunity to learn more. This has helped me to develop a wide variety of skills and experiences related to the conservation field (genetics, GIS/ remote sensing, field work, community outreach and education, fundraising, etc). Second, I have taken advantage of networking opportunities and maintained relationships with people that I've worked with in the past.

What advice do you have for other SFS alumni looking to get into your field?

A graduate degree is important nowadays. It may also be helpful to know the language of the region you would like to work in, or even several languages. Keep in contact with colleagues and let them know what you are up to. Keep learning. Attend talks and workshops on topics that interest you and expand your skill set. Don't give up.