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How will what you learned in Project Dragonfly support future goals towards conservation?
This journey has given me opportunities to overcome significant challenges, allowing confidence to take root in their place. It has shaped a new dream career for me and affirmed that there is space for me in science. As I began to emerge from adversity, what I once saw as personal “hindrances” to my success became “challenges” to work through.
Shifting my mindset from “I’m not good at this” to “I’m still figuring this out” was freeing. Whether it’s mastering assignments or developing fieldwork skills, I’ve learned that I can accomplish anything as long as I seek out the right resources, ask questions, and stay driven by my passion to grow.
My next steps are to continue exploring the natural spaces of San Diego. We’ve only just become acquainted, and I hope to strengthen my connection to the land and its herpetofauna—welcoming curiosity and new questions to arise along the way. I am seeking opportunities to engage with wildlife through scientific roles that will deepen my experience in research. In addition, I plan to lead educational outreach programs, such as community lizard walks and lesson planning, to share my passion and growing knowledge of herpetofauna.
Through these experiences, I hope to build the confidence and skills needed for my dream role: a herpetologist who contributes to research, communication, and outreach. I aspire not only to expand understanding and appreciation of amphibians and reptiles, but also to help make nature and science more accessible to underserved communities. By improving access to the natural world, we can inspire future leaders who advocate for the voiceless and foster a more diverse and inclusive STEM field.
Sophia (she/ella) is a Chicana, neurodivergent wildlife professional and formal/informal educator. She holds a B.A. in Social Sciences from California State University San Marcos, where she studied psychology, sociology, and intercultural communication. Her passion for creating environments where animals can thrive in managed care stemmed from her work as a wildlife care specialist.
Motivated to close gaps in both her own and the public’s understanding of herpetofauna, Sophia focused her M.A. in Biology at Miami University’s Project Dragonfly (Advanced Inquiry Program) on improving the welfare of reptiles and amphibians. Her learning, collaborations, outreach, and research with these often-overlooked species have inspired her to continue supporting them through research, communication, and community engagement.
She currently works within her San Diego County school district, encouraging students to explore the outdoors and develop positive connections with local reptiles and amphibians.
In her spare time, Sophia enjoys hiking with her senior dog, Rue, talking about herps on outings with the San Diego Bird Alliance, volunteering at the San Diego Natural History Museum, and singing with her budgies, Vinny & Little Bird.