Hi, I’m Devan, the new spring intern here at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center. I love parks, roller skating, and my cat named ‘Soup’. I am extremely excited to be working with such an experienced and enthusiastic group of professionals and volunteers! I graduated last May with my bachelors in ecological, evolutionary, organismal biology from Southeast Missouri State University. While earning my degree, I spent time looking at tiny organisms under a microscope, dissected a lot of vertebrates, and even learned how to castrate bull calves. My first week at the ecology center has shown me exactly what I was not taught in school—learning and identifying native flora!

I have had a long-time passion for venturing into the woods and discovering on my own, and I am eager to apply the knowledge I gain from this experience to enhance the findings of my personal exploration. So far, I am most taken by the prospect of re-natify-ing as much of my neighborhood as I can get my hands on- starting with my own backyard! I am also very excited to get into the dirt and see some creepy-crawlies! I love bugs!

I am hoping to gain as much understanding and practical skills as possible during my time here and am looking forward to assisting my new cohorts with their ongoing projects. I aim to contribute as much as I possibly can and am ready to face challenges knowing that I have a strong support staff who wants to see me succeed in my endeavors.