ACADEMIA
Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Sciences, May 2025
University of Idaho - Moscow, ID
GPA: 3.8
Honors and Scholars:
Ronald E. McNair Scholar; Doris Duke Conservation Scholar; National Forestry Honor Society; Dean’s List
American Malacological Society / Western Society of Malacology Conference
Los Angeles, CA (August 2024)
Best Student Presenter Award
Day Scott is a wildlife professional and non-traditional student whose academic journey has been profoundly shaped by a life-altering car accident involving a herd of pronghorn, resulting in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Her resilience and passion for wildlife conservation have driven her pursuit of higher education, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and positive change.
At the University of Idaho, she is working toward an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Science. Despite the challenges posed by her disabilities, she consistently maintains a high GPA. Day has earned distinctions as both a Doris Duke Conservation Scholar and a McNair Scholar.
Her academic journey is marked by unwavering dedication to wildlife science, a deep-seated passion for research, and a commitment to conservation. Her journey through TBI rehabilitation while pursuing her degree serves as a source of inspiration, highlighting the transformative power of determination and passion in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, she plans to expand her research portfolio by studying a broader range of animal species and deepening her understanding of evolutionary biology, with the intention of pursuing a PhD. As a scientist, naturalist, and conservation photographer, her passion for research inspires her collaborations and strengthens her dedication to inclusive science. Fueled by exploration, a strong sense of purpose, and her love for wildlife, Day is poised to make significant contributions to research and conservation.
Undergraduate Researcher | 2024
Parent Lab, University of Idaho
Dr. Christine Parent, Principal Investigator
Research: Comparison of ecomorphospaces of land snail communities on island and nearby mainland.
Investigating land snail diversity (Family: Bulimulidae) in the Peruvian Andes and the Galápagos Islands, with samples collected from over 85 sites in the Andes Mountains. Currently curating samples and conducting geometric morphometric and DNA analyses to evaluate shell shape variation and phylogenetic relationships. I plan to conduct comparative analyses between Andes and Galápagos specimens to understand how environmental factors influence morphology and species diversity. This research aims to enhance our understanding of biodiversity patterns critical for conserving threatened species.