I Am Conservation

MU graduate student Alicia Burke captures neotropical birds, such as the indigo bunting on her hand, in mist nets for a graduate school research project at Current River CA. The project is also part of Missouri Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP). “As a biologist, understanding how and why organisms such as birds interact with the environment, and examining management practices that could help increase population numbers for declining species is very important to me. Especially to preserve these wildlife populations for the education and enjoyment of future generations.” With a military background and eight years of active duty in the US Navy, Burke said she would like to merge her passion for wildlife and conservation with her military experience and become a biologist on a military base. “I feel that there is unlimited potential for public outreach and joint ventures with nonprofit organizations, state and federal agencies,” said Burke. —Photo by David Stonner