Meet Our FNR Ambassadors

FNR Ambassadors are student volunteers who share their passion for the department and Purdue with visitors to campus. Whether the visit is from a prospective student, alumnus, tour group, or one of the department’s many stakeholders, ambassadors assist in providing visitors with useful information, answering questions about the department’s programs, and showcasing the caring and collaborative atmosphere.​

Name: Jadyn Alford
Major: Aquatic Sciences
Minor: Wildlife
Hometown: Logansport, Indiana
Email: alford15@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: off-campus living, pursuing a minor, undergraduate research, and part-time jobs

I am a senior majoring in Aquatic Sciences with a Marine & Freshwater Biology concentration and currently work in an aquatic ecology lab that focuses on the Great Lakes. We research different species and aspects of that ecosystem and how they interact with each other. I love FNR and I have met a lot of great friends here. My favorite thing about FNR is learning how to identify different species in our identification classes and then taking that skill into the real world and seeing the species in their natural environment. My favorite experience in FNR is summer practicum and the friendships I made there. Those people I met have come to be my best friends! My goal is to work internationally in conservation research or outreach in the future.

Name: Beca Appelmann
Major: Wildlife
Minors: Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
Hometown: Felicity, Ohio
Email: rappelma@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: Non-traditional student experiences, undergraduate research, The Wildlife Society, club leadership, off-campus housing, college employment, student council, owning pets while in school, transfer student, teaching assistant

I am a non-traditional student who began college later in life and transferred to Purdue University from a community college. Now in my senior year, I have had the opportunity to pursue diverse research experiences, including projects on soil and water conservation, squirrel population densities, and my current work on gray foxes in Indiana. I also work part-time with the USDA Wildlife Services and assist two graduate students with two separate research projects. At Purdue, I serve as President of The Wildlife Society and Treasurer of the FNR Student Council. I also worked as a teaching assistant for practicum this past summer. The highlight of my college experience has been gaining hands-on experience, such as at practicum where I worked with small mammals, birds, and herpetofauna in class and field settings. After graduation, I plan to continue field-based research and pursue graduate studies to prepare for a career as a park ranger, property manager, or wildlife researcher. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with my two cats and a dog that I am currently training for detection work after graduation.

Name: Grace Brown
Major: Aquatic Sciences - Marine and Freshwater Biology & Fisheries Concentrations
Hometown: Valparaiso, Indiana
Email: brow1859@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: Study abroad, international traveling, living off-campus, undergraduate research, involvement in Alpha Zeta, learning communities, SCUBA diving + how to get certified

I’m a senior studying Aquatic Sciences with a concentration in Marine & Freshwater Biology and Fisheries. I’m especially interested in coral reef restoration and aquatic conservation. On campus, I work as a lab technician under Dr. Höök, where I study largemouth bass growth rates in woody-debris mesocosms and assist with stable isotope analysis projects. I’ve also participated in study abroad research in Sweden and Finland, focusing on the Baltic Sea and environmental sustainability projects. Outside the lab, I serve as a leadership chair in the Purdue chapter of Alpha Zeta and am proud to be a Lilly Endowment Community Scholar. I am also SCUBA certified through my Rescue Diver certification, which allows me to combine my passion for field research with hands-on marine conservation. My long-term goal is to pursue a career in coral reef restoration alongside being a Divemaster. I want to be able to conserve the natural beauty of coral reefs while inspiring others to explore and protect them as well!

Name: Brianne Brummett
Major: Wildlife
Minors: Forest Ecosystems
Hometown: Columbus, Indiana
Email: brummetb@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: FNR summer practicum, Boiler Gold Rush, The Wildlife Society, pursuing a minor, off-campus living, the DRC, getting involved on campus

I am a Junior majoring in Wildlife with a minor in Forest Ecosystems. I switched into FNR during my second semester at Purdue and I know I have found my place here. I love making connections with peers and FNR staff, exploring unique clubs, and embracing the hands on experiences offered within and outside of classes. I particularly enjoy the species identification classes, and field labs held within Martell Forest and Purdue Wildlife Area. After I graduate, I hope to pursue a job in wildlife biology, habitat management, or ecological conservation within the National Parks System.

Name: Liam Doski
Major: Wildlife
Minor: Aquatic Sciences
Hometown: Smithtown, New York
Email: ldoski@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: Wildlife rehabilitation, Environmental education, Herpetology, Macroinvertebrates, Undergraduate research, AFS, TWS, STUCO and Summer Practicum

I am a senior in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) at Purdue University. I transferred to Purdue as a non-traditional student after previously studying Criminal Justice at another college. Since switching my major to Wildlife, I’ve become actively involved in the FNR community. I currently serve as Vice President for the American Fisheries Society (AFS), The Wildlife Society (TWS), and the FNR Student Council (STUCO). I also work as a teaching assistant for the Dendrology course and as a technician in both Dr. Zollner’s lab, where I serve as an ARU technician and drone pilot, and in the Hoverman lab. In addition, I am conducting undergraduate research in Dr. Zollner's lab in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, focusing on river otter trapping harvests. One of my favorite experiences in FNR has been participating in macroinvertebrate sampling and sharing my passion by teaching others about macroinvertebrates during the FNR Summer Practicum. Looking ahead, my goal is to pursue a career as a wetland ecologist and continue working in wetland ecosystems.

Name: Collin Frost
Major: Aquatic Sciences - Fisheries Concentration
Hometown: West Lafayette, Indiana
Email: frost42@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: Undergraduate research, American Fisheries Society, internship opportunities, FNR Summer Practicum

I am a junior majoring in Aquatic Sciences with a concentration in Fisheries. I am currently the Treasurer for the Purdue Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. I am also involved in undergraduate research studying larval bloater diets across Lake Michigan. I currently enjoy all my classes at Purdue, and I am willing to share my experiences with others! In the future, I plan to attend graduate school to continue fisheries research.

Name: Noah Haas
Major: Aquatic Sciences - Fisheries Concentration
Hometown: Osceola, Indiana
Email: haas53@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: American Fisheries Society, Undergraduate Research, Purdue Bass Fishing, Summer Internships

I am a Senior, former president of the Purdue chapter of the American Fisheries Society, and an avid member of the Bass Fishing club. I am doing undergraduate research on the expansion of a Banded Killifish sub-species in northern Indiana. I also am a teaching assistant for the Aquatic Sampling Techniques class. I spend my summers working as a crew leader for an aquatic sampling team in the St. Joseph River watershed in Elkhart, Indiana. I would like to go to graduate school and continue research on fish and aquatic ecosystems.

Name: Erin Haberman
Major: Aquatic Sciences
Hometown: Avon, Indiana
Email: ehaberma@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: Study abroad, international traveling, learning communities, Purdue Dining and Culinary, on-campus jobs, SCUBA diving

I am a senior majoring in Aquatic Sciences with a double concentration in both Marine & Freshwater Biology and Fisheries. I am also a central hiring manager on the Central Hiring team for Purdue Dining and Culinary. I've loved taking advantage of the programs FNR offers, such as study abroads and the learning community. I was a part of The Nature of Wild Things learning community during my freshman year. Recently, I traveled to Belize for two weeks for a study abroad where we got to hunt lionfish on a remote island! I also went to Costa Rica on a study abroad trip during the spring of my sophomore year (highly recommend!). Outside of school, I am an active SCUBA diver working towards getting my master diver certification. My future goal is to SCUBA dive full-time and work in shark & ray conservation and environmental education!

Name: Hannah Kaluf
Major: Forestry - Forest Management Concentration
Minors: Wildlife Science and Psychology
Hometown: Brookston, Indiana
Email: hkaluf@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: Undergraduate research, transfer student life, living at home during college, graduating high school early, changing majors, summer internships, grad school

I am a senior majoring in Forestry with minors in Wildlife Science and Psychology. After graduating high school a year early, I started my college journey at Ivy Tech in psychology. I transferred to Purdue after my first year and after one semester at Purdue, I made the switch to study Forestry in FNR. Growing up in the West Lafayette area has given me a unique perspective on college life at Purdue. I am part of Salt Co. (a college ministry) and I’m involved in undergraduate research on prairie restoration and management. My goal is to become a natural resources extension professional.

Name: Paige Lawrence
Major: Wildlife
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Georgetown, IN
Email: lawre113@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: student musical organizations, The Wildlife Society, FNR learning community, pursuing a minor in another language, FNR summer practicum, club involvement, accommodated testing.

I am a Junior in Wildlife with a minor in Spanish. I participated in The Nature of Wild Things learning community during my freshman year and knew I wanted to pursue a degree in wildlife in FNR. I am a member of the Purdue student chapter of The Wildlife Society, and I perform in the University Choir as a part of Purdue Musical Organizations. I am interested in research, conservation, and education, and my goal is to work as a wildlife biologist for a governmental organization and teach others about wildlife conservation. After I graduate, I plan to get my master's and gain research experience while traveling around South America.

Name: Abigail Malott
Majors: Wildlife and Film Production
Hometown: Marion, Indiana
Email: malott4@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: Double Majoring, Honors College, undergraduate research, changing your major, Exploratory Studies

I am a senior double majoring in Wildlife and Film Production after transferring from the Exploratory Studies program. I truly value my experience in FNR, as it has given me opportunities to participate in field work, build a community, and gain experience in conducting and presenting research. Currently, I am involved in an undergraduate research lab that focuses on habitat suitability. This past
summer, I worked as a field technician where I deployed ARUs at farms across the state. I am a member of the John Martinson Honor’s College and was involved in the honor’s mentor program for two years. After graduation, I hope to continue my passion for research in grad school!

Name: Collin Morris
Majors: Forestry – Forest Management Concentration
Hometown: Bloomington, Indiana
Email: morri659@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: Environmental Education, Society of American Foresters, Being a teaching assistant, Study Abroad, Field work, My favorite tree

I am a junior majoring in Forestry with a minor in Wildlife Science. I am currently a teaching assistant for Dendrology. Last summer, I worked at the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment project conducting forest surveys. I am the current president of FNR Student Council and the treasurer of the Purdue student chapter of Society of American Foresters. My favorite experience in FNR has been going on a study abroad to Costa Rica over spring break. I plan to attend grad school after I graduate to get my masters.

Name: Lydia Pultorak
Major: Wildlife
Minors: Aquatic Sciences, Forest Ecosystems
Hometown: Brazil, Indiana
Email: lpultora@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: undergraduate research, Student Chapter of Environmental Education, The Wildlife Society, FNR Costa Rica study abroad, summer internships, songbird and owl banding

I am a Junior in Wildlife with minors in Aquatic Sciences and Forest Ecosystems. I enjoy participating in FNR clubs and am the Birds Working Group leader for the student chapter of The Wildlife Society and an active member of the Student Chapter of Environmental Education. I am a co-leader for Purdue's Northern Saw-whet Owl banding station where I am researching the presence of PFAS chemicals in these owls. Additionally, I monitor for bird-window collisions on campus and am working with architectures to make Purdue’s windows safer for birds. Currently, I work as a teaching assistant for the lecture portion of the Ecology and Systematics of Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles and for the Esteban Fernandez-Juricic avian vision lab. Last summer, I interned at Dobbs Park Nature Center in Terre Haute, Indiana, and the year before I worked as a field technician for the North Carolina Bird Atlas.

Name: Taryn Steed
Major: Wildlife
Hometown: Roselle, Illinois
Email: steed0@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: becoming a teaching assistant, volunteer opportunities, study abroad, student clubs, FNR vs. NRES, being an out-of-state student

Hello! I am currently a senior majoring in wildlife after starting my journey at Purdue as a natural resources and environmental science (NRES) major. I am an active member of Purdue’s chapter of The Wildlife Society, a former TA for FNR 24250 and 25250 (Laboratory in Ecology and Systematics of Fishes, Amphibians, and Reptiles; Mammals and Birds), and a member of Purdue’s honorary, professional society Alpha Zeta. Additionally, I am an IR thermal imagery analyst as a part of an undergraduate research project monitoring deer density across the state of Indiana. I have also been fortunate enough to participate in a study abroad, where I was able to travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Name: Mallory Wagner
Major: Aquatic Sciences
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Email: wagne358@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: American Fisheries Society (AFS), undergraduate research, changing majors, being an out-of-state student, study abroad

I am a senior majoring in Aquatic Sciences with a Fisheries concentration. Outside of classes, I am the current president of the Purdue Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, work as a technician at Purdue’s Aquaculture Research Lab, and serve as an Ag Ambassador. I am also in the final stages of my undergraduate research project examining the abundance, growth rates, and diet of larval yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in Lake Michigan and connected tributary habitats. I have absolutely loved all of the incredible experiences FNR has provided me, especially my study abroad trip to Sweden and Norway and summer practicum, which I had the opportunity to experience twice- once as a student and again as a Teaching Assistant! After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school in order to further explore my research interests within the fisheries field.

Name: Jaylin White
Major: Wildlife
Hometown: North Salem, IN
Email: white856@purdue.edu
Ask Me About: Switching majors, undergraduate research, volunteering, job searching, work-school-life balance, building a strong resume, being a first generation student, staying involved in the department, finding adventures and opportunities outside of Purdue

I am a senior studying Wildlife after recently switching from Pre-veterinary medicine. I have been involved in many wildlife research projects with Purdue and around the world. My main focus is on African wildlife conservation and habitat management. I plan to pursue my PhD doing research abroad and being professor teaching what I love. I have done a lot of networking to work in various jobs on and off campus related to animal science, forestry, and wildlife. I like to be involved in everything, so ask me anything!