CHRIS COLLIER- CUAA Scholarship recipient 2020
My name is Chris Collier and I am currently a Junior at Humboldt State University. Wildlife Biology is my major, specifically I am in the Wildlife Conservation Biology/Applied Vertebrate Ecology concentration, and I am minoring in Geospatial Science.
My quest to explore the natural world began with a summer I spent near Lake Tahoe constructing trails for AmeriCorps. This was a centering experience for me, and I’m still proud of my crew for completing a four-mile section of the Tahoe Rim Trail. I moved to Santa Rosa in 2013 and soon began working an internship with Sonoma County Regional Parks, where I helped manage a trail camera project. I had the unique experience of assisting with a mountain lion capture by local biologists. We used my trail camera footage to locate the lion, and collared her as part of a larger study on urban wildlife conflict. This was my first taste of wildlife work, and I was hooked. I soon decided I would dedicate my life to wildlife research and conservation.
HSU was an easy choice because I had read about the spectacular wildlife program, and fell in love with the area while visiting a friend. The vast open space coupled with mountains reminded me of the Sierras, and the ocean and redwoods were new vistas waiting to be explored. Humboldt State has been a fulfilling place for me thus far, as it has opened many doors. For example, I serve a position as Chapter Liaison for Conservation Unlimited, and I was recently elected as Student Representative to the California North Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society. My proudest accomplishment last year was helping produce a short film on diversity that was screened at the 2019 TWS Western Section Annual Conference. In the film we highlight issues in representation and accessibility within the field of wildlife biology for minorities and LGBTQ communities. We plan to screen the film at the 2020 TWS National Conference in Kentucky. It can be viewed here - https://youtu.be/6l_SoTFRjZ0
Once I complete my bachelor’s degree in May 2021, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in wildlife. Specifically, I wish to study birds or mammals and plant interactions. Ecology as a whole is fascinating to me, and I believe focusing on all parts of the puzzle is the key to effective conservation. My long term-goal is to complete a PhD and perhaps become a professor or lead researcher for a nonprofit or government agency. Acutely aware of the perilous state of our planet, I believe it is imperative to have scientists helping with conservation efforts and measuring the effects of anthropogenic climate change.
I am thrilled to receive this scholarship because CU has helped me discover my passion for helping other students. This award has eased financial stress, allowing me time to study, continue participating in extracurricular activities, and gain further experience through volunteer work. Thank you to the generous donors that have helped me pursue my dreams.
Sincerely,
Chris Collier
March 2020
My quest to explore the natural world began with a summer I spent near Lake Tahoe constructing trails for AmeriCorps. This was a centering experience for me, and I’m still proud of my crew for completing a four-mile section of the Tahoe Rim Trail. I moved to Santa Rosa in 2013 and soon began working an internship with Sonoma County Regional Parks, where I helped manage a trail camera project. I had the unique experience of assisting with a mountain lion capture by local biologists. We used my trail camera footage to locate the lion, and collared her as part of a larger study on urban wildlife conflict. This was my first taste of wildlife work, and I was hooked. I soon decided I would dedicate my life to wildlife research and conservation.
HSU was an easy choice because I had read about the spectacular wildlife program, and fell in love with the area while visiting a friend. The vast open space coupled with mountains reminded me of the Sierras, and the ocean and redwoods were new vistas waiting to be explored. Humboldt State has been a fulfilling place for me thus far, as it has opened many doors. For example, I serve a position as Chapter Liaison for Conservation Unlimited, and I was recently elected as Student Representative to the California North Coast Chapter of The Wildlife Society. My proudest accomplishment last year was helping produce a short film on diversity that was screened at the 2019 TWS Western Section Annual Conference. In the film we highlight issues in representation and accessibility within the field of wildlife biology for minorities and LGBTQ communities. We plan to screen the film at the 2020 TWS National Conference in Kentucky. It can be viewed here - https://youtu.be/6l_SoTFRjZ0
Once I complete my bachelor’s degree in May 2021, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in wildlife. Specifically, I wish to study birds or mammals and plant interactions. Ecology as a whole is fascinating to me, and I believe focusing on all parts of the puzzle is the key to effective conservation. My long term-goal is to complete a PhD and perhaps become a professor or lead researcher for a nonprofit or government agency. Acutely aware of the perilous state of our planet, I believe it is imperative to have scientists helping with conservation efforts and measuring the effects of anthropogenic climate change.
I am thrilled to receive this scholarship because CU has helped me discover my passion for helping other students. This award has eased financial stress, allowing me time to study, continue participating in extracurricular activities, and gain further experience through volunteer work. Thank you to the generous donors that have helped me pursue my dreams.
Sincerely,
Chris Collier
March 2020
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