Stan Burnside – Ithaca College – BS Biochemistry – December 2012

Hi, my name is Stan Burnside and I recently graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Biochemistry. I have previously had an internship at the Cape Eleuthera Institute in The Bahamas working on an offshore aquaculture program and studying the populations of sharks and tropical fish that inhabit patch reef ecosystems. Since then I held a position as a dolphin trainer for four years. I am now very excited to have the chance to work with big cats and can not wait to have a positive impact on their lives.

Hannah Corbin – Central College – BA Biology – December 2012

Hi, my name is Hannah Corbin. I have a degree in Biology from Central College. I have had an interest in working with endangered animals since my freshman year in college. I previously have done research on amphibians and bats in looking at extinction rates in the state of Iowa. I have also volunteered at Pella Wildlife Company where I worked with Black bear cubs, bobcats, wolves, and eagles. In hearing about the internship opportunity at Turpentine Creek, I jumped on the chance to join such a great team. Since joining TCWR I have had an amazing time educating the public and being proactive in helping raise awareness for exotic big cats. I look forward to every morning being greeted by their chuffs!! Working here at TCWR has helped me follow a dream of mine and a dream that I will continue to pursue.

Molly Davis – Northern Michigan University – BS Zoology – December 2012

My name is Molly; I recently graduated from Northern Michigan University with a B.S. in Zoology and am originally from central Minnesota. I have previously interned at the Minnesota Zoo, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, and The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. I have wanted to work with animals since I was little and I am very excited to come to Turpentine Creek to gain more experience with large carnivores!

Alaistra Harper – University of Arizona – BS Wildlife Conservation & Management – May 2010

Hello, I'm Alaistra Harper. I have a degree in Wildlife Conservation and Management from the University of Arizona. I have worked at zoos and refuges in Texas, Washington and Nevada and am so excited to be part of the Spring/Summer 2013 TCWR team! Turpentine Creek represents my fourth zoological facility, third internship, second wildlife refuge and my first sojourn into beautiful Arkansas. Working with exotic animals is tough. Caring for abused, neglected, and abandoned animals even more so, but I welcome every new challenge that comes along. Being able to interact with both these amazing animals and all our wonderful guests and visitors is a dream come true. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a family of dedicated individuals and I am so proud, happy, and pleased to be a part of it!

Marcela Mejia – Texas A&M University-Kingsville – BS Animal Science – Dec 2012

My name is Marcela Mejia and I am from Harlingen, Texas. I recently graduated from Texas A&M University - Kingsville with a BS in Animal Science. I am a certified scuba diver and previously held an internship at Texas State Aquarium where I worked with sea turtles, sharks, sting rays and other marine animals. I previously volunteered with the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network and was involved in several rescues and rehabilitation of marine mammals that had been stranded. When I heard about TCWR I decided to apply in an effort to expand my animal experience and to finally work with exotic cats. Working with exotic cats has always been a dream of mine and TCWR has given me the opportunity to do so while making a difference in the cats lives.

Natalie Wertz – University of Nebraska-Lincoln – BS Animal Science – Dec 2012

Hello! My name is Natalie Wertz. I am originally from Lincoln, Nebraska. I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in December 2012 with a BS in Animal Science. I have wanted to work with animals for as long as I can remember, so when I was 12 I began volunteering through the Lincoln Children's Zoo's youth program, Zoo Crew. After volunteering for a few years I was hired on in the domestic animals department, where I worked through all of high school and college. My ultimate goal is to become a zoo keeper working with conservation education, and I felt that I needed more experience working with exotic animals. I took a day to visit TCWR and knew the moment I walked through the door that this would be the next step in my journey to that goal. The work here is physically and mentally demanding, but it is extremely rewarding and I love that I am learning new things every day. I cannot wait to see what tomorrow holds!

Ellie Yaunke – University of Wisconsin-Steven's Point – BS Biology – May 2012

Hello my name is Ellie Yaunke. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a bachelor's degree in Biology. I've previously interned at the Wildlife In Need Center in Oconomowoc, WI and the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI. At the crane foundation I mainly helped raise Whooping Crane chicks in isolation to prepare them for release during the fall migration. I applied at Turpentine Creek because I've always wanted to work with big cats at least once in my life and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. With my experience at Turpentine Creek I hope to pursue a career in zoo keeping with a focus on animal conservation. I really look forward to the next seven months working here!

Samantha Bieck – Cornell University BS Biology – May 2012

Hi, my name is Samantha Bieck. I have a degree in Biology with a concentration in Animal Physiology from Cornell University. I have previously volunteered as an animal caretaker at the Cayuga Nature Center caring for a variety of wildlife animals. I have also spent time at a number of veterinary clinics working mostly with small animals and horses. I have always wanted to work with animals and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with big cats for the first time.

Amanda Kinnon – Lycoming College – BS Biology – December 2012

Hi! My name is Amanda and I'm a recent graduate from Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Biology with a Chemistry minor. My ultimate goal is to become a veterinarian. I've had many wonderful experiences working with all different kinds of animals ranging from rehabilitating wildlife native to Pennsylvania to volunteering with horses and dogs at adoption shelters and even elephants at a sanctuary not too far from TCWR. I'm incredibly humbled to be given the opportunity to experience the excitement of working with tigers here at Turpentine Creek and the chance to work with some of the most amazing people I've ever met. I can't wait to see what the rest of the internship has in store for me! It's never a dull day here.

Madeline Benson – University of Minnesota – BS Fisheries and Wildlife – December 2011 - 2nd Internship

Hi! My name is Maddie Benson, I have a degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Minnesota. I am lucky enough to be back at TCWR for a second internship, and am very excited to see what these next seven months hold! Before coming here I had two internships through the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota working to rehabilitate and release a wide variety of animals. I am thrilled to be a part of the team at TCWR working to give these amazing animals a better life!

Natasha Bretz – SUNY ESF – BS Conservation Biology – May 2011 - 2nd Internship

Hello, I'm Natasha Bretz. I graduated from SUNY ESF with a bachelor's degree in Conservation Biology. I have always loved Africa and lions. I did large cat research there in the summer of 2010. I knew then that saving large cats was going to be my life goal. I know hope to return to school to get my master's degree and eventually my Ph. D. to continue doing research focusing on disease control. I heard about TCWR from a fellow ESF student. I feel this is an excellent stepping stone in learn how to interact with large cats and bettering my observation skills.

Kelly Farrell – George Mason University – BS Biology – May 2012 - 2nd Internship

Hi, my name is Kelly Farrell. I have a degree in Biology from George Mason University. I previously worked as a veterinary assistant and volunteered at both the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. I have worked with clouded leopards, red pandas, cheetahs, naked mole rats, lemurs, porcupines, black footed ferrets, meerkats, maned wolves, golden lion tamarins, howler monkeys and many more. It has been my dream to work with large predators for a very long time. I have a strong desire to conserve these animals in the wild and teach the public to admire them and their importance in their respective ecosystems, instead of fearing and eradicating them. This internship at TCWR has given me the opportunity to do so. I have high hopes here, and feel confident that Turpentine Creek will be a priceless experience and lead me towards a meaningful and exciting career.

Bonnie Glover –University of Massachusetts – BS Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation – May 2010 - 2nd Internship

Hi, my name is Bonnie Glover. I have a degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation from the University of Massachusetts. Before coming to TCWR I had zoo-wide internships at the Great Plains Zoo in South Dakota and the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island. I also interned at a non-profit caring for their education animals. I have been lucky enough to work with a variety of animals including giraffes, rhinos, elephants, primates, bears, and anteaters. I am excited about the opportunity to work with all of the animals and staff who call Turpentine Creek home!

Brianna Ogas – Union College — BS Biology – June 2012 - 2nd Internship

My name is Brianna; I graduated in June 2012 from Union College with my Bachelor’s of Science with a major in Biology. Ever since I was 14 I knew I wanted to work with exotic cats, especially lions. I spent as much time as I could learning about conservation efforts around the world and eventually traveled to Zambia, Africa during college to volunteer on a lion rehabilitation project. While I was there I was able to truly experience the satisfaction of putting in all my effort to help give back to animals who deserve it entirely. Though I spent most of senior year carrying out behavioral research on particular species of lizards, I knew I really wanted to be back working with big cats. When I found Turpentine Creek I was extremely hopeful and even more ecstatic that I was able to be a part of such an amazing team of people. The more time that passes the more I realize exactly what I hope to accomplish in the future. Even though I can’t begin to imagine leaving TCWR, I do hope to eventually become a part of conservation efforts that seek to reintroduce and save diminishing exotic cat species in the wild and ultimately begin my own conservation project.

Mike Redig – Luther College – BS Biology – May 2012 - 2nd Internship

My name is Mike Redig; I graduated from Luther College this past May with a degree in biology. I recently completed an internship at Sealife Aquarium at the Mall of America where I worked with several species of sea turtles, sharks, jellyfish, rays and many more. I have always been interested in marine biology but enjoy working with all animals and couldn’t pass up this unique opportunity. I am very thankful for this position and excited for the next six months here at TCWR.

Katie Robertson – University of New Hampshire – BS Zoology – December 2009 - 2nd Internship

Hi, my name is Katie Robertson and I have a Zoology degree from the University of New Hampshire. I was an intern at TCWR last spring/summer and after learning about the RTS rescue, decided to reapply for a second internship. I have always wanted to work with exotic animals and being a part of this refuge team has been such an eye-opening experience. Working with these animals is such a blessing and I know that together we can accomplish a lot over the next 7 months!

Katie Anderson – Georgia Institute of Technology – BS Biology – May 2011 - 3rd Internship

My name is Katie Anderson and I have a degree in biology from Georgia Tech (Go Jackets!). Tigers are my favorite animal and it has been a dream of mine to work with them since I was a little girl. I previously interned at Zoo Atlanta in the carnivore department and have been at TCWR for a year now. This February will be the start of my third internship. I have learned so much during my time here and I cannot imagine leaving this wonderful place. Following this internship, I hope to be hired on as full time staff at the refuge. TCWR has truly become my home and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in these animals' lives and allowing many more the chance to call this place their home as well.

John Chavez – Texas A&M University-Kingsville – BS Wildlife Management – May 2010 - 3rd Internship

My name is John Chavez; I received my degree in Range & Wildlife management and a minor in Field Biology from Texas A&M University -Kingsville. I previously worked with a large variety of venomous snakes at the National Natural Toxic Research Center. Right before graduating and after a few promotions, I was granted a full time job with the Computing and Information Services department. After a year at my full time job, by chance, I checked my old student email and saw the opportunity with TCWR. I made the decision to drop everything and travel out to Arkansas to train, learn and work in efforts to help out these amazing animals at the Refuge.

Spring 2013 Interns

Hannah Corbin – Central College – BA Biology – December 2012
Katie Robertson – University of New Hampshire – BS Zoology – December 2009 - Second Internship
Natasha Bretz – SUNY ESF – BS Conservation Biology – May 2011 - Second Internship
Madeline Benson – University of Minnesota – BS Fisheries and Wildlife – December 2011 - Second Internship
Alaistra Harper – University of Arizona – BS Wildlife Conservation & Management – May 2010
Stan Burnside – Ithaca College – BS Biochemistry – December 2012
Natalie Wertz – University of Nebraska-Lincoln – BS Animal Science – December 2012
Brianna Ogas – Union College — BS Biology – June 2012 - Second Internship
Bonnie Glover –University of Massachusetts – BS Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation – May 2010 - Second Internship

Kelly Farrell – George Mason University – BS Biology – May 2012 - Second Internship
Amanda Kinnon – Lycoming College – BS Biology – December 2012
Molly Davis – Northern Michigan University – BS Zoology – December 2012
Elena Yaunke – University of Wisconsin-Steven's Point – BS Biology – May 2012
Kaitlin Anderson – Georgia Institute of Technology – BS Biology – May 2011 - Third Internship
John Chavez – Texas A&M University-Kingsville – BS Wildlife Management – May 2010 - Third Internship
Marcela Mejia – Texas A&M University-Kingsville – BS Animal Science – December 2012
Samantha Bieck – Cornell University BS Biology – May 2012
Mike Redig – Luther College – BS Biology – May 2012 - Second Internship

Fall 2012 Interns

Mike Redig – Luther College – BS Biology – May 2012
Sureni Beckford – The College of Wooster – BA Biochemistry/Molecular Biology – May 2012
Katie Widrick – SUNY Oswego – BS Zoology – May 2012
Jaimie Howard – Abilene Christian University – BS Animal Science – May 2012
John Chavez – Texas A&M University – Kingsville – BS Wildlife Management – May 2010 - Second Internship
Alexa Godfrey – University of Oregon – BS General Studies/Biology – June 2011
Brianna Ogάs – Union College – BS Biology – June 2012
Bonnie Glover – University of Massachusetts – BS Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation – May 2010
Kaitlin Anderson – Georgia Institute of Technology – BS Biology – May 2011 - Second Internship
Kelly Farrell – George Mason University – BS Biology – May 2012
Jessica Rebman – North Carolina State University – BS Zoology – May 2011 - Second Internship
Rebecca Mitchell – University of Maryland – BS Animal Science & Ecology/Evolution – May 2012
Sarah LaVallee – University of Tennessee – BS Ecology/Evolutionary Biology – May 2012

Spring 2012 Interns

 
Jenna Johnson - Missouri State U. - BS Wildlife Conservation & Mgmt - December 2009
Anna mantooth - Western Kentucky University - BS Biology - May 2011 - 2nd Internship
Kaitlin Anderson - Georgia Institute of Technology - BS Biology - May 2011
Katie Robertson - University of New Hampshire - BS Zoology - December 2009
Natasha Bretz - SUNY ESF - BS Conservation Biology - May 2011
Stephanie Scott - Truman State University - BA Biology - May 2011

Jessica Rebman - North Carolina Stated University - BS Zoology - May 2011
Dianne Mohr - U. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - BS Integrative Biology - May 2011 - 2nd Internship
Ken Riley - Northeastern University - BS Biology - June 2011
Sydney Kessler - University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - BS Biology - December 2011
Caitlin Bregitzer - Miami University - BA Zoology & Botany - December 2010
Madeline Benson - University of Minnesota - BS Fisheries and Wildlife - December 2011

Fall 2011 Interns

Dinesh Erram -Southeast Missouri State University - Masters Natural Science - May 2011
John Chavez - Texas A&M University - Kingsville - BS Wildlife Management - May 2010
Jennie Pham - University of California Davis - BS Animal Biology - July 2011
Kara Anderson - West Texas A&M University - BS Wildlife Biology - May 2011
Dianne Mohr - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - BS Integrative Biology - May 2011
Chelsea Reyes - SUNY ESF - BS Wildlife Science - May 2011
Samantha Coccia - SUNY ESF - BS Conservation Biology - May 2011
Bethany Baran - Ohio State University - BS Zoology - June 2011
Adam Dewey - University of Michigan - BA Biological Anthropolgy - December 2010
Anna Mantooth - Western Kentucky University - BS Biology - May 2011
Melissa Kerzner - North Eastern Illinois University - BS Biology - December 2010 - Second Internship
Kathryn Croft - Wake Forest University - BA Biology - May 2010 - Second Internship

Spring 2011 Interns

Justin Perry - Western Carolina University - BS Biology - May 2009
Sarah Loutsch - Salisbury University - BS Biology - May 2010 - Second Internship
Allison Shell - Kent State University - BS Zoology - December 2010
Kyle Jorgensen - Humboldt State University - BS Zoology - May 2009 - Third Internship
Elizabeth Goodenough - California Polytechnic University - BS Biology - December 2010
Alex Hauenstein - Miami University - BA Zoology - May 2010

Katie Del Rosso - SUNY University at Geneseo - BA Biology - December 2010
Kathryn Croft - Wake Forest University - BA Biology - May 2010
Melissa Kerzner - North Eastern Illinois University - BS Biology - December 2010
Jaime Appleton - University of New Hampshire - BS Wildlife Biology - December 2010

Katie Overholser - Case Western Reserve University - BA Biology - May 2009
Kelly Jo Carroll - SUNY University at Buffalo - BS Environmental Science - February 2010

Fall 2010 Interns

Trevor Guidinger - Washington State University - BS Zoology/Psychology - May 2010
Kyle Jorgensen - Humboldt State University - BS Zoology - May 2009 - Second Internship
Sylvester Martinez - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - BS Integrative Biology - Dec 2008

Elise Johnston - Loyola University Chicago - BS Anthropology - May 2010
Kurt Carney - Iowa State University - BS Animal Ecology - May 2010
Diana Hollingsworth - Southern Illinois University - BS Zoology - Dec 2009 - Second Internship

Matthew Sellers - Oaklahoma State University - BS Animal Science - May 2010
Melissa Shelton - Wright State University - BS Biology - May 2010
Jennifer Brenneman - Missouri Western State University - BS Biology - May 2009

Sarah Loutsch - Salisbury University - BS Biology - May 2010
Jordana Todd - Salisbury University - BS Biology - May 2010

Spring 2010 Interns

 
Melanie Kuse - Eastern Illinois University - BS Zoology - December 2009
Diana Hollingsworth - Southern Illinois University - BS Zoology - December 2009
Kelly Tardif - University of New Hampshire - BS Zoology - May 2008

Rachele Peterson - University of New England - BS Psychobiology - May 2008
Jonathan Murray - SUNY Oswego - BA Zoology - May 2009
Kyle Jorgensen - Humboldt State University - BS Zoology - May 2009

Izzy Beers - University of California Santa Cruz - BS Marine Biology - May 2009
Kellyn Kearney - Manhattan College - BS Biology - May 2008 - Third Internship
Craig Conklin - North Carolina State University - BS Zoology - December 2009

Jennifer Eros - Colorodo State University - BS Zoology - Auguse 2009
Jarrett Sweeley - Coastal Carolina University - BS Marine Science/Biology - May 2008 - Third Internship
Chelsea Davis - University of California Davis - BS Animal Science - June 2009