Class of 2020

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

We have an amazing cohort of CRC volunteers who completed their studies and graduated from UC Davis at the end of Spring Quarter 2020.

Leanne Black

Major: Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology

"I think the coolest thing I did at the CRC was learn how to draw blood from a hawk. Anyone who knows me, knows I do not like blood so I was really proud of myself for facing my fears and doing it.

I am in Clarksville, Tennessee. I moved here because my husband is in the military and I am actively looking for a job or volunteer field work. I wish I was still in Davis. I hope to be back to visit the CRC one day!"

Mollie Brown

Major: Animal Science

"My favorite part of volunteering is baby season and open houses and my favorite raptor is grasshopper! I’m living and working in Davis this year and I applied to vet school and I’m waiting to hear back."

Pardis Farid

Major: Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology

"Fuzzy, Puffy and Mad Eye are my favorite raptors at the CRC, also all the others! I just like spending time with them and talking to them."

Logan Hamilton

Major: Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology
Minor: Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity

"One of my favorite parts of volunteering at the Raptor Center was having opportunities to speak with the public about the birds at the center and their roles in the natural environment. I especially enjoyed working with education birds Whistler and Forrest, whose entertaining behaviors always made them great ambassadors representing their species."

Michelle Higuera

Major: Animal Science

"My favorite part was helping to train the juvenile turkey vultures. I also loved working with the birds on gloves, it was a great learning experience. I am grateful to have been a part of such a great rehabilitation program. Currently, I am back in my hometown (San Diego) and have an interview with UCSD to work as an animal technician. I am hoping to receive a job offer.

I would like to personally thank Julie and Bret for training and teaching me about the resident birds. I discovered a passion for birds and hope to work with them in the future. There is a living coast discovery center here in San Diego that houses and offers teaching programs with raptors."

Luc Myers

Major: Animal Science

"Working with Phoenix and the Turkey Vultures was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am so grateful I was lucky enough to volunteer at the raptor center!"

Jessica Schlarbaum

Avian Sciences (MS)

"The California Raptor Center is what led me to continue studying raptors in grad school and to become a wildlife biologist. My close work with American Kestrels at the CRC inspired my research on their nesting success in the Central Valley. American Kestrels will always be my favorite animal because of their tenacity and ferocity.

I am currently the Education Team Leader at New Mexico Wildlife Center, working closely with many new raptors (including a couple kestrels) and educating the residents of New Mexico about wildlife conservation."

Haley Schrock

Major: Avian Science, specializing in Companion and Captive Animals

"My favorite part of my time at the CRC had to be baby season. I loved seeing all the little babies grow so rapidly. I also really loved learning all the personalities of the birds. I can’t pick my favorite because they’re all so special!

Now I’m living in Amberg, Germany which is in Bavaria. I work for Wood PLC as an Environmental Compliance and Conservation Support Consultant helping support USAG Bavaria-Hohenfels’ Environmental Division. I thank my time at the CRC for helping me get unique experience for this job!"