First-Gen Student Kelsey Miller Aims to Inspire Change Through Conservation
Kelsey Miller, a first-generation college student from Hardy, Arkansas, will graduate summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock on May 17. She is a senior biology major with a concentration in environmental and organismal biology and has a passion for animal behavior and conservation.
During her time at UA Little Rock, Miller has been involved in the Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, Clarinet Ensemble, UA Little Rock Young Democrats, the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, and the UA Little Rock Sustainability Committee. She also serves as treasurer of the Sustainability Club and secretary of the Donaghey Scholars Committee.
Miller has been named to the Chancellor’s List—honoring students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher—for seven out of eight semesters. She has received multiple awards and grants for her research on the domestication of raccoons and has been accepted to present her work at several academic conferences.
Looking ahead, Miller’s main goal is to work in conservation and animal welfare, whether that be for a government agency, the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, rehabilitation facilities, or other related organizations. Her purpose and passion is to help the environment and hopefully encourage others to do the same in whatever capacity she can.
Hear more from Kelsey about her time at UA Little Rock, her research, and what’s next after graduation in the Q&A below.
What sparked your passion for animal behavior and conservation, and how has it shaped your journey at UA Little Rock?
I have always had a passion for animals but never knew the career opportunities besides veterinary medicine. My internships opened my eyes to all of the possibilities within the environmental biology field. As everyone says, “If you love what you do, you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
While it is a challenging field, seeing the impact that I am making on not only the environment but by helping to encourage others to do the same is really empowering to me. No major life choice has ever felt as right as this one.
You’ve been involved in some amazing internships! How have those hands-on experiences at the Little Rock Zoo and Mammoth Spring Hatchery prepared you for your next steps?
I have been so fortunate to have been involved in several internships including at the Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery, the Little Rock Zoo, and for GBR Biology in Cairns, Australia. In terms of conservation, animal welfare, and education, there is only so much you can do in the classroom. These experiences helped me to do more by giving me the chance to implement what I have learned and gain new biological skills such as animal husbandry, wildlife observation, exhibit interpretation, curriculum development, etc. Plus, my internships allowed me to learn non-biology related skills that are crucial for most jobs.
You’re headed to England soon. What drew you to pursue your master’s degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare? What’s the name of the University you will be attending?
Dr. Raffaela Lesch is a strong reason for my interest in animal behavior. After attending the Canine Science Society research conference in Seattle, Washington, in June 2024 with Dr. Lesch and our lab group, I made a connection that led me to speaking with Dr. Anna Wilkinson from the University of Lincoln in Lincoln, England. After discussing my research interests, she made me an offer to attend the university where I will be doing tortoise cognition and welfare research.
What advice would you give to future students who want to combine science, education, and community outreach the way you have?
The biggest piece of advice I have for future students who want to do what I have is to put yourself out there. If I would have not done internships, joined a research group, volunteered, and been involved on campus, I would not have had as many opportunities as I did. Not only was it helpful in getting me the proper experience I needed, but I was able to make connections that will last beyond my college years and lead me to future endeavors.
In regard to combining science, education, and community outreach, the easiest way to get involved is by volunteering for different organizations and science-related community events here in Little Rock. They are almost ALWAYS in need of extra help!
Looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of your time at UA Little Rock?
The most rewarding part of my time at UA Little Rock is the connections I have made, both personally and professionally. I have made a ton of friendships that I hope to carry with me long after I graduate. Along with this, the amount of opportunities that I have had through the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, my internships, and the groups I have been involved in, are some of the biggest drivers in my academic success.
Written by Sydney Ambrus