Julia Lalor

Name: Julia Lalor
Age: 33
SNRE degree sought: Conservation Biology
Projected semester/year of graduation: Winter 2010
Undergraduate degree(s): B.S. Biology, Lafayette College; DVM (University of Wisconsin SVM)

Why did you pick this field of study? Why were you drawn to this field?

As with the majority of the SNRE population, I have always enjoyed being outside.  I've been lucky enough to live in many beautiful places including Colorado and Arizona and I wanted to help protect these areas.  At the same time, I am fascinated with the diverse physiology and anatomy that is found in the animal world which is what drew me to veterinary school.
I knew I wanted to be a wildlife veterinarian because it would allow me to combine medicine and my concern for the environment.  Originally I was going to work in a zoo or wildlife reserve as a veterinarian.  However, I realized I could effect change better with a graduate degree in conservation biology that would enable me to understand the ecological functioning of an ecosystem within a social and economic context.

SNRE has a broad range of faculty and students, each of whom contributes important knowledge and perspectives, which creates a passionate community that is informed on the multiple issues, aspects and solutions of conservation issues.  This is not to say that everyone is an expert on everything! Rather as student, I have access to people from different fields and the ability to, while focusing on disease ecology, explore other relevant subjects.  I am then able to communicate effectively and have a basic grasp of the disciplines that are involved in the area of conservation. To me, conservation biology's appeal is its integrative nature that recognizes the interconnectedness of the environmental crisis facing the world. An education of SNRE is preparing me to successfully work on the aspects that interest me within that larger framework.

So far, what do you like best about your program?
There is a strong, friendly community at SNRE which allows for both interesting debates and a strong social support network.  Approachable faculty and a variety of courses allowed me to explore and gain knowledge of multiple conservation related fields such as policy and sustainability.  The SNRE environment engenders and encourages open debate about environmental issues and active participation in interdisciplinary activities.  There is usually a seminar, module or social activity going on though sometimes it is hard to find time to attend!

Describe your research interests and experiences at SNRE.
When I applied to SNRE, my plan was to be involved in pure epidemiology and modeling-related research.  My summer was spent doing field work on the islands of Lake Michigan, trapping deer mice for my thesis on the interaction of genetics, immunology and parasites in isolated populations.  However, over my time here, I have become more interested in the interaction of ecology and other fields, specifically how feedback from policy can influence and focus experimental design and in turn, how science can then inform policy and planning. This change in interest came about due to the courses I took and conversations I had with faculty.   My adviser Bobbi Low has been particularly helpful in broadening my horizons at the same time as focusing my efforts.  Although my thesis topic is not exactly in line with my career path, I felt it was the right choice for me because it enabled me to learn about experimental design and logistics of field work as well as important disease ecology concepts.

What do you plan to do after graduation?
Ideally, I would work for a NGO or federal agency where I could design and interpret wildlife disease studies in order to guide conservation strategies, reserve design and inform policy.   Realistically, there are few positions that are only involved in disease but the program here has enabled me to work in a broader capacity, helping to guide ecological investigations that can shape environmental planning and policy.

What advice do you have for incoming SNRE students?
Research, networking and funding opportunities are available but you have to be proactive and seek them out.  Don't be shy or slow about speaking with other students, staff and faculty to find out how to find and take advantage of these opportunities.   At the same time, try to go to social events in Rackham, not just SNRE. It's important to  meet students outside of SNRE as well.

How do you relax when not studying?
It can be difficult to find time to spend with my friends but I manage to squeeze in a few things like berry picking, going to the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market and checking out Ann Arbor restaurants.  Rackham and SNRE will put on the occasional activity like a happy hour or movie night.  I also like to knit, rock climb at Ann Arbors climbing gym and read (non textbooks!!).