Alexandra Serino

978-729-0884 a_serino1@salemstate.edu

Like many people, I imagine, I was drawn to wildlife biology by watching

David Attenborough when I was a child. I was captivated by not only the
variety and beauty of wildlife but by the breathtaking environmental
landscapes that support this life. As an inspired child, I knew from the first
Planet Earth episode I wanted to work with wildlife and I wanted to promote
the habitats that housed the wildlife. It became my mission to help conserve
the natural world and all of its awe-inspiring wonders.
At present, I am currently completing my education for my Bachelors of
Science Degree in Biology at Salem State University. My concentration of
environmental science has led me to undertake a course load heavily
influenced by environmental affairs and wildlife. Courses including
Environmental Problems, Natural History of Vertebrates, and Behavioral
Ecology have given me a strong interest in pursing a career in wildlife
conservation. I have found it fascinating how influential ecosystem services
are but how delicate every ecosystem is. The ability for an ecosystem to not
only thrive, but survive depends on a delicate balance between all biotic and
abiotic factors. Anything from human interference to extreme natural events
can tip this balance and threaten the entire ecosystem. For me, the
importance of wildlife conservation resides in its effort to conserve this
natural balance in order to protect species of wildlife, which, in turn will help
save this beautiful, vulnerable and irreplaceable planet we call home.
I am looking forward to continuing my education in the pursuit of a career in
wildlife conservation. For the past semester I have been involved in a
directed study focused on the effect of neonictinoid pesticides on native
pollinators and its association with colony collapse. I am also currently
working with faculty members in the departments of biology and political
science in investigating the Human Dimensions of Wildlife. As a collaborative
team our goal is to spread awareness of this topic and incorporate it as an
interdisciplinary study in the curriculum. Based on this effort, I have initiated
and am the leader of a student organization entitled Animals and the
Environment. This summer, I will be continuing research with the involved
faculty members focused around wildlife on Cape Cod. We will be studying
controversies related to piping plovers, horseshoe crabs, osprey, harbor
seals, and other marine mammals.
I am ambitious to one day teach conservation biology at a post secondary
education level. Being able to share knowledge about the environment and
wildlife conservation is enthusing and rewarding. Being able to share passion
has an incomparable fulfillment. I strongly believe that this program will
provide me with the skills and experiences that I can apply to inspire future
students.

Alexandra Serino
978-729-0884 a_serino1@salemstate.edu

And so, it is with much pleasure that I submit my application for a Masters
Degree in Conservation Biology.