Hello all, my name is Cailyn Haubien, and I recently graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelors in Conservation Biology. My interests lie in insect ecology and how restored habitats can support and maintain biodiversity. During my internship so far, I have learned much about our local ecosystems and hope to take this knowledge with me as I start graduate school next fall. Working at LREC has opened my eyes to the power of community engagement and the vitality of implementing conservation programs, not only for students, but for all ages. I’m grateful to have this chance to learn from my coworkers, volunteers and the natural landscapes that surround me.

Hello! My name is Aaron Stovall and I am a soon-to-be graduate of the Horticulture Program at STLCC Meramec. I am invested in gaining knowledge of natural history and hands-on experience in areas of plant ecology, restoration ecology, field botany, native habitat management, native landscaping practices, and conservation horticulture. My internship at LREC has been the perfect stepping stone along this new career path as it has provided me with an abundance of knowledge, field work experience, and connections with like-minded people. I intend to transfer into the Department of Plant Biology at SIU Carbondale in the fall of 2024 to study ecology. I am passionate towards building a career that promotes the natural biodiversity of our ecological systems and the health and well-being of all living things.