CALS students are doing amazing things! Meet some of them in our Q&A series. 

This week we’re hearing from Arianna Barajas, a senior majoring in wildlife ecology with a certificate in environmental studies.

How are you involved on campus? 

I am part of the student chapters of The Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Society. If you have time, I definitely recommend checking them out. Additionally, I am grateful to say I am a Mercile J. Lee scholar!

Why have you chosen your field of study? 

I’ve chosen wildlife ecology because I grew up with a big appreciation for the outdoors. I find that being outside is something very personally fulfilling. Because of this appreciation, I want to work towards and advocate for the protection of what I find beautiful!

What do you like about being at UW–Madison and in CALS? 

I like being at UW-Madison because it has amazing faculty. All of my professors have been very invested in my success and development. Going into my classes knowing my professor’s care has made my learning more enjoyable! I like being in CALS because I feel like they are very proactive in supporting their students. There are always resources and events on campus that aim to help us!

What accomplishments or achievements would you like to share with the CALS community? 

A recent accomplishment I would love to share was my participation in the Diversity in Conservation Internship hosted by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. This internship gave me the confidence to continue down the path of conservation. Being hosted by the International Crane Foundation, I was able to gain firsthand experience in the field. From outreach to data collection, I was given the opportunity to explore the different aspects of conservation. This was accompanied by consistent support for my aspirations by my supervisors, program coordinators and my fellow interns. I am very proud to have been part of this program as I have gained vital skills and experiences that will support my future endeavors.  Additionally, I was given the opportunity to speak on the topic of diversity in conservation. Being able to advocate for greater representation within the field was something that helped me feel empowered. Lastly, along with all that was mentioned, I was able to have tons of fun and work with some amazing wildlife.

What do you want to do once you graduate?

Once I graduate, I am planning to take a couple of years off before returning to school for my master’s degree. During these years off, I hope to explore the different job opportunities in the field.