Salutations!
I’m Michaela.
I am a behavioral ecologist and zoologist - I’m fascinated by animals, their history, the evolutionary basis of their behaviors, and how they interact with their environment. Understanding the adaptations they adopt to overcome novel stimuli and changing situations inspired me to start my professional journey with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Neuroscience from Coe College (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and a Master of Science degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from American University (Washington, D.C.).
I believe that preserving collected specimens is crucial to our past, present and future understanding of these organisms.
As a naturalist, not only do I enjoy field research, but I also have a passion for studying and preserving museum collections. Having records of the past allows the scientific community to better understand and protect species vulnerable to extinction. This knowledge can help support conservation efforts that go beyond preserving species in captivity, but by also more effectively preventing their extinction in the wild. Furthermore, educating the public on the past, present, and future of life on earth is imperative to the survival and benefit of all life.