Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program

I am a junior at North Carolina A&T State University, majoring in biological engineering. I'm passionate about combining community engagement with sustainable innovation in agriculture, conservation and environmental policy. My professional goals are to apply engineering principles, environmental science and public policy to create practical solutions for underserved and rural communities. and public policy to create practical solutions for underserved and rural communities. I am particularly interested in using design and systems engineering to improve natural resource management and environmental equity as a whole. My experiences in outreach, research and leadership inspired me to apply to this program, where I hope to grow alongside others who deeply care about people and the environment.

At Suffolk University, I’m pursuing a degree in environmental studies with a focus on sustainability and policy. What initially drew me to the environmental field was my childhood love for animals. While I once dreamed of becoming a zoologist, I now aspire to become an environmental lawyer. Through hands-on experiences with organizations like Jumpstart in East Boston, De Lage Landen’s sustainable operations team, and Lincoln Park Zoo’s conservation education programs, I have developed a deeper understanding of how environmental issues intersect with education and business. My commitment to sustainability has also taken me abroad to Ghana and Costa Rica, where I participated in fieldwork and cultural exchange focused on community-based green initiatives and sustainable development. These experiences have reinforced my conviction in the transformative power of education and advocacy to drive environmental change. I hope to expand on this foundation by acquiring the tools, knowledge and connections required to contribute to a world that is better for everyone. 

I am passionate about wetland ecosystems and herpetofauna, with a specific interest in habitat restoration and species conservation. My professional goal is to work in the restoration and preservation of these environments and the unique species that inhabit them. I was inspired to apply for this program to connect with professionals to learn from their career experiences and gain an understanding of the steps I can take to follow my career goals. 

I am from Durham, North Carolina, where I enjoy volunteering at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens, swimming in the Eno River and playing soccer with my family. In addition to those activities, I am looking forward to continuing to work in environmental education, hands-on conservation and environmental justice advocacy. What brings me the most joy is not just protecting a forest or planning a restoration project — it’s listening to and learning from the people who care about that land and making sure their voices shape its future. I want to work with both conservation professionals and local stakeholders, where a combination of conservation strategies, local knowledge, cultural values and lived experiences are all viewed as essential to productive land management. I am looking forward to meeting like-minded individuals and learning from the experiences of others. 

My name is Zoe Burry, a 4^th-year student at the University of California, Berkeley, studying environmental sciences and ecosystem management. My particular natural resource and conservation interests lie in terrestrial and water management, land back initiatives, stakeholder engagement within local ecosystems, and wildlife conservation. I would love to establish, improve and create initiatives centered around environmental justice, accessibility and sustainability for all, as we are all deserving of, and entitled to, enjoy and interact with our beautiful planet. 

Reese Fraijo Raygoza is a 4th year undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, studying environmental studies, minoring in American Indian and Indigenous studies and film and media studies. Reese's tribal affiliations are with the Cahuilla Tribe in the Coachella Valley, California. Reese hopes to gain experience in the conservation world working with Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island, environmental storytelling, and cultural ecological restoration. Reese just recently completed her first season working with the National Park Service at Yosemite National Park, serving as a research associate in the department of cultural resources and vegetation ecological restoration. Through her work as a cultural ecologist, Reese served as a tribal liaison in various crews including wilderness archaeology, in which she participated in archeological site surveying in multi day backpacking trips in the Yosemite Wilderness. Reese is grateful for her community, family and friends and is fulfilled and inspired by her interests in surfing, gardening, climbing, running and reading.

I am majoring in natural resources with a minor in forestry. I am a non-traditional student who transferred from Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before returning to school, I worked as a phlebotomist during COVID-19. After serving with Americorps National Civilian Community Corps, I was inspired to return to school to pursue an environmental degree. I am now interested in wildlife and aquatic conservation and fire ecology, and I aim to combine these interests in graduate school as well as in my future career. I currently work in an entomology lab on campus, intern with the GIS department, and have completed a research project where I looked at the historical relationship between Native American communities and their fire use. I was inspired to apply to this program to gain more exposure in environmental career development and to meet other students with similar interests. 

I’ve always felt most at home outdoors. That connection to nature is what sparked my interest in conservation. Over time, I’ve become more aware of how important it is to protect the places we love not just for wildlife, but for people too. I’m especially interested in how communities can work together to take care of natural resources in ways that are sustainable and meaningful. I applied to this program because I want to be part of something hands on and impactful, and to learn from people who care about the environment as much as I do. 

Clara Conry is a senior environmental science and political science major at Emory University. She wants to combine her interest in public policy and experience in ecological research to help craft equitable conservation policy. Her dedication to conservation was sparked by childhood trips to national parks and joining the Ecological Society at Emory. She hopes to combine that interest with the writing and advocacy skills that she's learned as a student. Clara was inspired to apply for the program to learn more about careers in land conservation and meet active practitioners in the field.