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ACADEMIA

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Day Scott is a science 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 towards an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Science, consistently maintaining a high GPA despite the challenges posed by her disabilities. Day has earned distinctions as both a Doris Duke Conservation Scholar and a McNair Scholar.

 

Her academic journey is defined by her unwavering dedication to wildlife science, a deep-seated passion for research, and a commitment to conservation. Day's experience with TBI rehabilitation serves as a source of inspiration, highlighting the transformative power of determination and passion in the face of adversity. Looking ahead, she aims to broaden her research portfolio to explore a wider range of animal species and delve deeper into evolutionary biology. As a scientist, naturalist, conservation photographer, and science communicator, she stands as a dynamic force in the field of science, poised to make significant contributions to research, conservation, and raising public awareness about the intricate beauty and ecological importance of the natural world.

University of Idaho

Major: Wildlife Sciences, with focus on evolutionary biology

GPA

3.8 

Scholar Programs

McNair Scholar

Doris Duke Conservation Scholar

President - National Forestry Honor Society - Epsilon Chapter

Current Lab - Undergrad Researcher

Parent Lab - Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Research: Comparison of ecomorphospaces of land snail communities on island and nearby mainland.

Presentations

American Malacological Society /Western Society of Malacology Conference - Los Angeles, CA  (Aug., 2024)

*Best Student Presenter Award*

McNair 32nd Annual UMBC McNair Research Conference - Baltimore, Maryland (Sept, 2024)

Upcoming 

​​Past Lab - Undergrad Researcher

Rowley Lab - Microbiology 

Research: The association of killer yeasts and insects

Research Projects

  • Land Snail Diversity  - Andes Mountains, Peru (current)

    • Surveyed endemic land snails across 85+sites​

    • Curate ecological and genetic data

    • Conduct geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic analyses. 

    • Dr. Christine Parent, PI

  • San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - San Diego, CA (2023)

    • Institute for Conservation Research

    • Recovery Ecology - Burrowing Owl Team​​

    • Dr. Melissa Merrick, PI

  • Southwestern Research Station - Portal, AZ (2022)

    • Hawkwatch International

    • Forest Owl Study

    • Dr.  Dave Oleyar, PI

  • University of Idaho/Wyoming Game and Fish - WY, USA  (2021)​

    • Burrowing Owl Migration Project

    • Dr. Courtney Conway, PI​

​​

Other Science Education 

  • University of Wyoming - Naturalist Certification

  • University of California - Naturalist Certification 

  • NOLS  - Wilderness First Responder (WFR)

  • NAI - Certified Interpretive Guide

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