After trying my hand at a few other careers, I went back to school and obtained a double Bachelors from Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM), majoring in Biology (emphasis on Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) and Geology. I loved every minute of my time at MSUM learning all about different critters, how ecosystems work, Earth’s many wondrous processes, and the list goes on. I particularly enjoyed my Invertebrate Zoology class. I found the lifestyles of invertebrates to be really fascinating as well as to learn about the crucial roles they play that often get overlooked. We held class discussions on conservation issues including deforestation in Mexico and the impact it has on the monarch butterfly population; the ecological significance of freshwater mussels for water quality and native fish populations; as well as the importance of bees as pollinators of wildflowers and crops. Upon taking this class and becoming more aware of the impact that human actions have and the lack of awareness of the role invertebrates play in our environment, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the solution. I love conducting research to better understand these complex issues but also recognize that in order to elicit change, scientists need to be able to effectively communicate research goals and findings to the general public and to advocate for change at both local and global levels. That is why I am so thrilled to be a part of the NDSU Pollinator Research Project and to be participating in this blog for you all to get a glimpse into what we do! Some of my previous experience includes working on a population ecology/conservation project with Piping Plovers and Least Terns for the USGS, spending a fall field season working at Prairie Restorations collecting seeds for restoration projects from native prairie plants, and while in college participating in a long-term painted turtle ecology study. I intend on having a lifelong career of advocating for conservation efforts both via research and outreach. I hope to someday incorporate a geology “lens” while studying ecology and restoration/conservation to think about these topics on a larger time scale. I also enjoy spatial studies and want to add more GIS experience/studies to my list! Aside from my life as a scientist, I am a mama to my busy 2 year old son who has already caught the Love of the Outdoors Bug!