On March 12, the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation announced the award of a $500 stipend to each of 5 students at 4 institutions of higher learning from its Wildlife Scholarship Fund to support them in their respective wildlife and natural resource-related fields.

The fundamental goal of the Wildlife Scholarship Fund is to inspire the next generation of conservationists by presenting opportunities for students to advance their career interest in wildlife conservation. 

“We were impressed by the talent, dedication and diversity of accomplishments of our scholarship recipients and are looking forward to watching their careers develop,” said Margaret Brittingham, professor of Wildlife Resources at Penn State University and chair of the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee.

The scholarship winners are--

-- Michaela Wallingford (Spring Mills, Centre County) is a sophomore studying Wildlife and Fisheries Science at Penn State-University Park campus.

Michaela was raised in a wildlife-centered family and has held a passion and concern for wildlife conservation from a young age. Upon completion of her undergraduate education, she plans to pursue a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Management.

Michaela looks forward to becoming a dedicated conservationist and following in the footsteps of her parents as a wildlife biologist for either the Game Commission or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

She is currently the vice president of the Penn State Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society. 

-- Victoria Roper (Bloomsburg, Columbia County) is pursuing a master’s degree in biology at the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. She received a B.S. in Biology from the University of New Orleans and plans to pursue her PhD following graduation.

Currently, she instructs undergraduate biology students on field research collection techniques and laboratory skills. Her long-term goal is to work with The Nature Conservancy and to continue her life-long commitment to avian research, conservation, and mentoring young scientists.

Victoria is a member of the Pennsylvania Wildlife Society and the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology.

-- Jessica Brown (Dauphin, Dauphin County) is a senior majoring in Wildlife and Fisheries Science at Penn State-University Park campus.  She will continue her education as a master’s student in Entomology at Penn State upon graduation in May 2019.

This summer, Jessica will conduct her first field season as part of her graduate research investigating tick choice and host behaviors as a driver of tick burdens.  Jessica is treasurer of the Penn State Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society and a member of the Entomological Society of America.

 Her goal is to become a professor of wildlife biology with a focus on wildlife parasitology.

-- Kristin Bomboy (Shickshinny, Luzerne County) is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Biology at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science: Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from the California University of Pennsylvania.

Kristin enjoys taking photos of wildlife and nature. She is passionate about her responsibility as a wildlife and natural resource professional and hopes to teach and help others foster an appreciation for our natural resources.

Kristin is a member of the Wildlife Society and former treasurer of the California University of Pennsylvania Student Chapter. She is also a member of the PA Association of Environmental Professionals.

She hopes to get a job that allows her to do public outreach for the betterment of wildlife and its habitat.

-- Makayla Whaling (Luthersburg, Clearfield County), is a senior majoring in Wildlife Technology at Penn State-DuBois campus.  She plans to continue in the field of Wildlife and Fisheries Science with the goal of becoming a wildlife biologist.

Makayla looks forward to gaining experience from her field-related internships this summer. She is a member of many wildlife-related clubs including the Penn State Dubois Chapter of the Wildlife Society and the student chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The vision of the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation is to be the leading advocate for wildlife conservation in Pennsylvania. The foundation was formed in 2004 to provide all wildlife enthusiasts with a way to show their commitment through much-needed financial support for wildlife conservation efforts and education.

Since its inception, the Foundation has raised millions of dollars to support projects including wildlife and wetland habitat improvements, creek and lake restorations, the Seedlings for Schools program and student educational opportunities.

The Foundation’s mission connects all wildlife and nature enthusiasts to the great outdoors, including birders, hunters, anglers, students and everyone with an appreciation for nature’s treasures.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation. Click Here for information on attending the April 5 Wildlife Gala in State College.

(Photo: Top Row: Michaela Wallingford, Victoria Roper, Jessica Brown; Second Row: Kristin Bomboy, Makayla Whaling.)

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[Posted: March 12, 2019]

3/18/2019