Nicki’s love for animals started early – here she is holding ferrets when she was little.
To get all of our readers excited about the upcoming research season we’re continuing with our “blog-introductions to our new giant panda intern” series. Nicole Cady, or Nicki, is the third of four so next week (the week before I leave!! EEEeeeek!!) will end the intern introductions and I’ll start posting updates of China and the bears again! – wait didn’t we JUST get back??
So read on to learn a little more about our upcoming interns and make sure to post about any ideas you have for blogs, pictures, videos, etc that you may like Nicki to post in the upcoming months. Here’s what Nicki has to say about her past experiences and her hopes for her internship:
“I grew up in Okemos, Michigan the daughter of a wildlife rehabilitator and an electrical engineer. From my parents I learned to love animals and science. During high school I also took four years of Spanish and visited Peru, where I had incredible experiences like climbing Macchu Picchu and swimming in the Amazon. I started in the Zoology program at Michigan State University with a minor in Spanish in Fall of 2011. During my time at MSU I served as a teaching assistant for comparative anatomy, assisted in research at the MSU biological station, and worked at a local veterinary clinic that treats exotic species. I returned to South America this past summer when I studied abroad for 10 weeks in Quito, Ecuador. I graduated from MSU in August of 2015 and was accepted into the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2019 but decided to defer one year to gain more professional and life experience. Thus I am currently in my gap year and am spending it learning, working, traveling, and enjoying life!
My professional interests are in research and conservation of exotics and wildlife. I hope to integrate medicine, research, and teaching in my future career as a veterinarian in this field. Outside of school I love soccer, reading fiction (I’m currently reading the Game of Thrones series), and traveling. This past summer I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador to complete my Spanish minor. Not only did I become significantly more fluent in Spanish, but I was also able to spend 10 weeks exploring the beautiful biodiversity of Ecuador. From spotting toucans and howler monkeys as I trekked through the Amazon jungle to creeping up on the gargantuan Galapagos Tortoises, I caught the travel bug and my passion for conserving endangered wildlife was solidified.
Nicki with a Galápagos tortoise
I look forward to my internship with PDX Wildlife because I will experience a new culture and participate in relevant research to my professional interests. While I am nervous for the uncertainties of the future I am excited for the opportunities to see amazing places and meet new people and can’t wait to see what China has in store for me!”
Isn’t it funny that we have two red-heads coming this season? They’ll both get to meet our little red-head, Dee as well since she will be coming over with Nate and join us for two weeks this winter.
We’re looking forward to meeting all of these very inspirational and talented young ladies and to start testing their abilities on our most recent giant panda research projects!
-Meg
