Elizabeth Mardy

I am pursuing my non-thesis Master in Fisheries and Wildlife Resources at Clemson University. Previously, I worked as a crew supervisor at Aquatic Vegetation Control (AVC) to strengthen my leadership and team-building skills and to evaluate resources (i.e., chemical use) as the best way to utilize those resources to promote efficiency and educate the crew members on the conservation issues underlying invasive plant species. Unfortunately, I had severe personal matters that I withdraw my position. With this unpredictable obstacle, I am focusing on my studies and working remotely as a travel agent and a life insurance agent. The flexibility of working remotely and concentrating on my studies allows me to apply for conservation-focused government jobs until I land my career dedicated to conserving biodiversity.

I have been interested in nature and wildlife since childhood, and pursuing conservation is the natural progression of my long-standing interest in working to protect wildlife and make an essential difference in our world. I grew up in a poor, urban neighborhood in South Florida, with few opportunities to experience the outdoors. Seeing injured animals and not knowing how I could help inspire me to learn about nature from documentaries, to work for a pet store, and to begin studying urban wildlife in my backyard. I have dedicated my career so far too controlling invasive species that threaten the existence of native North and South American plants and animals. I firmly believe that biodiversity loss, one consequence of invasive species, is a threat not just to natural ecosystems but to the future of human society. Although I have many years of working in ecological restoration, I can make a more significant difference in the world by obtaining leadership positions requiring an extensive experience from various conservation divisions. Therefore, this leads me to a career path in this field.

In addition to my studies, I aim to accomplish my overall career goal as a professional wildlife biologist at the state or federal level, with the academic and technical skills needed to address conservation issues. I plan to lead a group of young adults and recent graduates to share the same experience related to conservation but challenge themselves with new opportunities in the hope that they share their knowledge and skills with family, friends, acquaintances, and colleagues. To further my career goal, I am ambitious to one day open a non-profit organization gallery to educate minorities through photography on endangered species and demonstrate how vital plants and animal species are to the ecosystem and our natural world.

Initially, I became an urban conservationist, later converted to a wildlife professional, and now I seek greater knowledge through education and training to continue contributing to the conservation of natural areas, open spaces, endangered species, and the environment. The words from the SeaWorld Original Soundtrack "Believe" - 'Look into the ocean you might want to see, who you want to be. Take it to heart, keep it in mind, good luck with the color of this life. It's our world, it's our chance, let's make it right' – helped me recognize as a teenager that I could choose a career that could make an important impact on wildlife, which led me to Directorate Fellowship Program. Sharing my passion, knowledge, and wildlife conservation skills is exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding.

I am thrilled as a member of the Honor Society because I have access to scholarships and network opportunities which can lead me in the right direction to hopefully work with wildlife professionals, graduate students, and outdoor enthusiasts.