Malia [email protected]

I’m a college student majoring in Wildlife Ecology with a minor in Forensic Chemistry, working toward a career as a wildlife forensic investigator. I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, where I developed a deep love for animals and nature early on. Growing up in a city that blends urban life with pockets of green space helped me appreciate the importance of conservation and environmental protection.

As a first-generation college student, I’ve had to navigate many challenges on my own, which has made me resilient, motivated, and proud of how far I’ve come. Education means everything to me—not just as a pathway to success but as a way to break generational cycles and create change.

Outside of academics, I’m a creative person who loves drawing, painting, and most recently, tattooing as a personal art project. Whether I’m in the classroom, caring for animals at my job, or working on a canvas, I always give my full effort. I’m driven to make a difference in the world, especially when it comes to protecting wildlife and fighting against illegal poaching and trafficking through forensic science.