A Fish and Wildlife Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Florida, Holly Ferreira '18C, '18M (above, right) was presented with the Service's 2021-2022 Southeast Region Regional Director's Honor Award for her involvement with the Florida Outreach and Diversity Recruitment team.
She reflects on her Seahawk experience in this latest Hawk's Eye View.
When I was first researching graduate programs in the environmental field, my sister, Hanna Jones '18, recommended I check out UNCW. At the time, she was an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Science in nursing program.
I met with the environmental studies department chair before I applied to the program. He talked to me about the program and answered all my questions. He made me immediately feel comfortable. I knew this would be a great fit for me.
I started in the Master of Science in environmental studies program in January 2016 and quickly became confident I made the right choice.
I had two concentrations for my degree: environmental conservation and management and coastal management. I had interests in both areas and figured it would open more doors for future jobs. While in the environmental studies program, I followed recommendations from professors and added on a post-baccalaureate certificate in geographic information systems (GIS).
With two concentrations and a graduate certificate program, I definitely stayed busy in school. But, I enjoyed what I was learning and developed numerous skills that have helped me in my career.
I was a teaching assistant for several classes and was a research assistant for several semesters. I loved being able to help students learn about topics I was passionate about. Doing research with Dr. Rachael Urbanek was such a great experience, and we were able to publish our work!
I also interned at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune while in grad school at UNCW. These internships provided me with a great deal of knowledge and experience regarding wildlife, propelling me into some of my professional endeavors.
I also stayed involved in extracurricular activities while I was at UNCW. I founded the student chapter of The Wildlife Society (called the Seahawk Wildlife Society) and served as an officer for the Environmental Sciences Graduate Student Association and Seahawk Audubon Society.
Did I sleep much while in grad school with all these classes and extracurriculars?... Debatable.
I wouldn’t trade the knowledge and experiences I had at UNCW for anything. I will always remember my time at UNCW fondly!
After graduating in 2018, I started working as a Biological Science Technician at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Fortunately, my previous internship there helped open a door for my first wildlife job. After a few years in that position, I decided it was time for something new.
I landed a job as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Vero Beach, Fla., in 2020. I have been working for USFWS ever since. My job is within our Ecological Services division. I primarily review projects under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act to examine their effects on federally listed threatened or endangered species and provide guidance to project applicants based on my review. I thoroughly enjoy working for USFWS, and we have a great team of folks here in Florida!
Samantha Hermann '20M and I help with Florida’s Outreach and Diversity team. Receiving the Regional Director’s Honor Award is a huge recognition. We work tirelessly to help students find opportunities with the USFWS and provide advice to guide them along their career paths. We have already connected with many students and have plans to connect with many more!