Preparing for a Career in Environmental Science

By Viviane Fuller Wildlife Field Technician

As the first CSI Wildlife Field Technician, I assist in collecting bear scat samples and data from remote field cameras. I also review and catalog the photos and videos captured by the wildlife camera. I’m a student at the Santa Rosa Junior College where I recently obtained my Certificate in Natural Resources Management and I am currently taking classes in Sustainable Agriculture and Horticulture. My goal is to inspire others to care about our environment and to take proactive steps towards the conservation and restoration of our natural resources. This experience is helping me to build the confidence that I need to follow a career in Environmental Science.

Through this internship, I learned there is a lot of “wildlife drama” happening in nature, and that humans have a lot in common with the wildlife. One of the happiest days for me was when we went to the field and searched for bear scat. I followed animal tracks, tried to think like a bear, and with the team, was able to collect 39 scat samples! I also learned that we often don’t see wildlife when we are out there, but they are there, watching us the entire time.

I am originally from Brazil and a first-generation college student. I see myself as an example that it is never too late to take action and transition to a career that is meaningful and beneficial to our planet. Thank you for your support in creating this opportunity and in incentivizing other students to pursue their dreams, independently of their age, gender, race or nationality.