Hi, PDXWildlife friends! My name is Nicole Murray, and I am a Summer 2016 intern!
Working in VIDA clinic in Liberia, Costa Rica
Most recently I come from Tempe, Arizona where I completed a bachelors in Geological Sciences and Sustainability, but I am originally from the Bay Area. Currently, I am working on a second bachelors in Animal Science from the University of Illinois.
My goal is to change my career path from geologist to… something else related to animals! At my university, I work in Dr. Rebecca Stumpf’s primate lab, where we study the interconnectedness of endocrinology and social behavior. My personal research deals with bonding hormones in female chimpanzees and how those hormone levels change throughout development, particularly toward dispersal. Additionally, I work at the University of Illinois Dairy Research Unit, in a study looking at the effects of clay on aflatoxin levels in milk.
Graduating from Arizona State
My most recent experience abroad was in Costa Rica where I worked in a traveling spay and neuter clinic. We twenty-five students and four veterinarians offered low-cost services to rural communities that often have issues controlling animal populations and keeping their pets healthy. So, if you happen to need someone to take your pet’s vitals or give them vaccines, I’m your gal.
Giving Cattle vaccinations in La Cruz, Costa Rica
River rafting in Costa Rica
When I’m not in class or sleeping, I’m hanging out with my family, which includes my husband, two dogs, and our cat.
Me and my husband
My family’s background in conservation, my love for wildlife, and an itch for travel compelled me to apply as an intern. I have spent a lot of time traveling in Southeast Asia, mainly in Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. I have been so lucky to have these experiences, as my family lives in Laos, and my father works for the World Wildlife Fund. I have also spent time in Europe, but I have become truly smitten with Southeast Asia. I have never travelled to China, and I am absolutely thrilled (and kind of nervous!) for this new experience.
Beach in Phuket with friend
-Nicole