Meet our Volunteers: Tara Rodes

I am excited to continue working in conservation with DMAD and broaden my experience working with marine mammals!

In May 2019, I graduated from the University of Vermont with a BSc in Environmental Studies and Wildlife Biology. During my time at college, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Patagonia, Chile for one semester. There, I conducted research on the endangered huemul deer species through live sightings and fecal pellet densities while we trekked through the Patagonian region – from the southern tip of South America to the northern part of the Aysén region.
 

My time in Patagonia solidified the fact that I wanted to pursue conservation research. Since then, I have been building my skillset through various jobs and internships in the United States. I love being outdoors and getting to know new places through their ecological lens, but also want to play a part in protecting the areas and species that I, and so many of us, value and depend on.

Before coming to Montenegro, I met up with the team in Turkey to participate in their annual cetacean survey in the Levantine Sea. I am excited to continue working in conservation with DMAD and broaden my experience working with marine mammals. As this is only my second time in Europe, I am also looking forward to exploring a new part of the world!