Eleanor grew up in southeastern Minnesota and later lived on two Pacific islands for two years each. During this time, she developed a love for all things nature and spent most of her time outdoors or learning about the natural world around her. After transferring from the University of Arizona to the University of Wisconsin–Madison during her freshman year, she began pursuing a path in conservation and research. She fell in love with the research and fieldwork aspects of the profession and was especially drawn to working with birds.
Eleanor held a variety of positions throughout college centered on environmental education, including work with Dane County Parks and the Upper Sugar River Watershed Association. She also gained experience in animal handling through a three-year position at the Dane County Humane Society. At UW–Madison, Eleanor participated in two research labs, one with a botany focus and the other working with data related to a local Wisconsin endangered species, the Kirtland's Warbler. Most recently, Eleanor completed a two-year fellowship on the field team at the International Crane Foundation, gaining hands-on experience banding and tracking wild Whooping Crane and Sandhill Crane.
Eleanor is excited to share her experience navigating the science field with students and is especially looking forward to meeting and guiding other passionate young conservationists. In her free time, Eleanor plays on softball, ultimate Frisbee, and beach volleyball teams and loves going birding or paddleboarding with friends. She also sells nature-based art at local studios around Madison.
University of Wisconsin-Madison - BS, Conservation Biology and Botany
