Volunteer
"It's the little things that citizens do. That's what will make the difference."
Wangari Maathai
Through my experiences in the field, I hope to share my enthusiasm for science with a wide variety of audiences and encourage them to discover the flora and fauna wherever they live. I enjoy a variety of volunteer work, from trail maintenance to public outreach and education. Below is a summary of my current volunteer efforts.
Friends of Midway Atoll NWR (FOMA), Board Director (2015-present)
- Supporting Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in its efforts to preserve, protect, and restore its biological diversity and historical resources.
- Aiding with operations and projects on Midway Atoll NWR via creating communications materials, writing, submitting, and executing grants that relate to priority projects and programs on the Refuge and/or increasing capacity and outreach via the Friends group, and assisting with conservation efforts as initiated through the Refuge.
- Developing FOMA's Education Committee to better engage with the public, share science and research from Midway Atoll NWR, and increase public awareness and understanding of Midway Atoll NWR's history, ecology, and cultural significance
- Supporting communications work and social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) to maintain connection with Midway Atoll NWR supporters and followers.
- Maintaining records of members, donation history, and other key aspects of data collection critical to non-profit organization management.
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- Co-coordinate the Communications Committee to ensure news, information, and updates are shared with PSG members and the broader seabird research community; post jobs, academic openings, and volunteer opportunities; facilitate organization of the Annual Meeting as well as Executive Council and Committee meetings; support social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) efforts and create a more inclusive and diverse space for seabird students, early career scientists, and researchers.
- Update content for PSG website, develop and compile student and early career scientist resources, as well as field/lab safety and harassment resources.
- Co-coordinate the Corresponding Members Committee to foster involvement of seabird researchers and conservationists in developing countries or those working in regions with little or no institutional support for seabird conservation.
- Recruit and retain PSG members throughout the Pacific, increase diversity of PSG membership, support and facilitate greater representation of BIPOC students, researchers, and scientists through PSG membership, and develop support systems and mentorship for the broader seabird research community.
World Seabird Union, Website Content Editor (2019-2021)
- Main content editor for seabirds.net and active member of the Communications subcommittee.
- Update webpages with information regarding upcoming seabird conferences; curate databases for the Seabird Information Network (S. I. N.); catalog useful, peer-reviewed papers for plastics research related to seabirds.
Wilson Journal of Ornithology, French Translator (2017-present)
- Translating titles, abstracts, and key words of peer-reviewed manuscripts, articles, and other documents submitted to the Wilson Journal of Ornithology to standard French and utilizing the AOU checklist and Avibase for proper bird names.
Peer Review Referee: Environmental Evidence, Austral Ecology, Bioacoustics, Environmental Conservation, Integrative Zoology, Journal of Ornithology, Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation, Wilson Journal of Ornithology
University of Idaho Sustainability Center (UISC), Moscow, Idaho. Volunteer activities included the following:
- Vandal Football GameDay Tailgate Recycling: aided students and community during the tailgate to correctly sort and dispose of their recyclables.
- Food and Farm Composting Volunteer: helped students properly sort their food waste.
- “Get Rooted” Volunteer Activity: planted over 100 native species on campus to help increase biodiversity and stabilize soil.
- UISC Recycling Petition Signing Days Volunteer: encouraged students and staff to support the initiative for a permanent, campus-wide recycling program.
Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute (PCEI), Moscow, Idaho. Volunteer activities included the following:
- Excavating ground for installation of benches for children education area
- Leading student trail crews and building new trail as well as maintaining existing trail
The Peregrine Fund World Center for Birds of Prey, Boise, Idaho. Volunteer at gift shop, interpretive center, and various events.
Miscellaneous Volunteer Activities:
- National History Day Regional and State competition judge
- Breakthrough volunteer through United Way: Farmway Village, Nampa, Idaho and Wilder, Idaho.
- Paint the Town, Boise, Idaho
- Rake Up Boise, Idaho
- Boise Riversweep, Idaho
- Earthfest Boise, Idaho
- Boise Iron Man 70.3 Competition, Idaho