I love the concept that all living things on this planet are tied together. This project is a perfect example of that. Being able to get some answers for the people in the area is also a huge motivator for me. 

I have been working with Tom and Kris Powers as well as Peter Mullin to sample and look at nematodes. Nematodes are a great environmental indicator and may help clue us in on what else could possibly be going on.

I spent the summer of 2022 as an intern on the One Health study, then became the Project Coordinator in summer of 2023. I finished my undergraduate degree in Conservation Biology at UNL in May of 2024. I have since taken a job at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium as an Elephant Keeper! My time with the One Health program gave me hands-on experience and real-world lessons that helped drive me further in my career in conservation. I look forward to using the tools I gained through my two summers with One Health in my career as an elephant keeper, trainer, and conservationist.