Ayla Zolwik,

Thesis:

Analyzing Swainson’s hawk movement & behavioral ecology in response to the California high-speed rail construction throughout the Central Valley

I graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Conservation through the Faculty of Forestry. Since then, I have been working seasonal technician positions throughout the United States and Canada focusing primarily, but not exclusively, on birds and herps. I grew accustomed to working, living and recreating in the Desert Southwest, most recently having come from Arizona - where I was the longest at almost 2 years! I have joined Dr. Matt Johnson's Habitat Ecology Lab to assess the levels of disturbance Swainson’s hawks experience, by way of a movement ecology study, in the Central Valley in response to the ongoing high-speed rail construction throughout the region. When I’m not working, you’ll find me planning my next backpacking trip or reading and writing when I can’t get outside.