Although I loved the outdoors and spent much time outside when I was young, I had too many other interests (in culture, art, and travel) to think that I wanted to be a scientist. Then, in high school, I received a scholarship for an Earthwatch expedition, allowing me to travel to Mexico to help scientists study sea turtles. On moonlit nights I searched for turtle hatchlings, and during the days I learned Spanish while visiting ancient temples and swimming in deep cenotes. I saw that, through a career in science, I could spend time outside, interact with people around the world, and explore the diversity of cultures, landscapes, and species.

After that experience, I decided that I wanted to both study herpetology (amphibians and reptiles), and to share with others how scientific research can be an exciting way to learn about the world around us.  It was hard for me to find a graduate school that where I could train to do both things, but here at Cornell I now help other scientists design projects that allow anyone to participate in scientific research. For anyone thinking about science as a career possibility, or even just a life-long interest, participating in an Earthwatch expedition or another citizen science project closer to home can be an easy first step.