“I want to work in conservation biology, particularly in the management of large mammals.

“In recent years, conservation researchers and wildlife managers have begun to use broad-scale computerized modeling to predict animal-population dynamics. This comprehensive approach enables them to understand animal behavior and migration, as well as habitat conditions, and to make better wildlife-management decisions. Environmental Informatics gives me the specialized skills and knowledge I need to create a well-rounded conservation strategy for any animal.

“Coming from an undergraduate background in biology, I felt this school’s focus on cross-disciplinary applied research would provide underlying theory and practical applications, along with a key understanding of how policy decisions interact with science.

“Thus far, my favorite classes have been Woody Plants, which included weekly five-hour field trips around Michigan to learn about trees, and Biology of Mammals, which provided a comprehensive look at anatomy and identification of mammals.

“For my master’s thesis, I am focusing on a geographic information systems (GIS) model of black-bear habitats in Michigan. With guidance from my advisor, Professor Daniel Brown, Professor Philip Myers, and Professor Jim Breck, an expert on computerized modeling, I will overlay the GIS modeling of bear habitats on a survey of residents’ tolerance for bears and their views of bear-population management.

“This project potentially will have applications in the near future, as Michigan’s black-bear population expands southward. The state’s Department of Natural Resources is looking at ways to educate residents and to minimize people-bear conflicts.

“Ultimately, I plan to work for a large nonprofit or to start my own conservation organization. Environmental Informatics provides good preparation for many professional positions and I recommend it to anyone who hasn’t settled on a specific career path.”