Kirsten A. Hecht

Hi! I'm Kirsten. I grew up in Ohio playing with critters in my back yard. Now I'm a grown up still playing with critters. I've been involved with research projects in Appalachia and Florida and am currently pursuing a PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology at the University of Florida. My past work focused primarily on large aquatic salamanders. Talking to the public about science has always been very important to me, and I'm now combining my interests to study public engagement related to conservation. I also am passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the conservation community. When I'm not sciencing, I spend a lot of time with my son, Dmitry, and also enjoy music and doing cosplay.