College of Biological Sciences

This CLA alum enjoys getting to play CBS student every once in a while.

What do you do here?

I am the program coordinator at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.

How long have you been at the U of M? 

I am an alumna of CLA, class of 2009. After graduation, I worked in CLA for four and a half years, and I am just finishing up my first full year with CBS for a total of a five and a half years as an employee at the U!

Describe something interesting or unusual about your work here:

While working at the station May through September, I get invited by groups to go out in the field with them to track mammals, listen to bird calls, sketch the scenery and so much more. Most days I am in the office, but some days I get to be a student. Even though I don't have a background in biology, I am continuously learning new things, and I absolutely love it.

You spend all summer at Itasca, what are your favorite and least favorite parts of being away from the city for so long?

It is very hard to pick just one favorite thing about spending the summer at Itasca because if I could, I would say everything is my favorite! The people are warm and welcoming. The air is fresh. The trees are tall. The hiking and biking trails lead to great views. The wildlife is always around. The hardest part about being away from the city for a few months is missing my family and friends. Luckily, technology allows me to keep in touch with everything that's going on while I'm away. This past summer I had a lot of visitors, so that also helps.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy cooking and baking, especially trying out new recipes. I love being active outdoors regardless of the season — hiking, biking, canoeing, snowshoeing. I've always enjoyed watching and playing sports, too. This summer, my brother and I created a game called "close net" volleyball. If you ever want to learn, as reigning champion, I'm up for teaching new players!