Spotlight: Brandon Pope

During my research into graduate programs, I became aware of my current advisor, Dr. Charles Nilon, and his work involving the human dimension of wildlife. That, along with MU's resources (and the change from a small to a large university) attracted me to MU.

Probably the biggest change for me developed as I understood the rapport between grad students and faculty. I’ve been a student my entire life and as such, the student-teacher relationship was very much like a superior/subordinate. Although now I still am a student, my interactions between faculty members and outside of MU is much more of a collegial nature. I enjoy discussing current topics in my field with experts who view me not only as a student, but also as a researcher actively contributing to our discipline.

After graduation from MU, I plan to enter the animal care field as a curator at a zoo. Large zoos require that all curatorial staff be in the possession of an advanced degree. Many zoo employ educational curators in order to educate the guests and public about the zoos' missions and goals.

My study focuses on the education of inner-city children regarding various concepts of the environment. I am certain this will prepare me to impart my future employer's aims to its visitors and individuals outside of the zoo regardless of their background. By educating children, this will allow me to take the concepts learned during my college years and convey those topics in such a manner that the children will be able to understand those concepts at a young age.

My hope is that the children I come in contact with during my study and beyond will see a person of color concerned about and working for the benefit of the environment, and as such influence them to do the same.

In 2008, Brandon was selected as a national fellow with the Park Break! program. He grew up in Chicago, yet developed a keen interest in wildlife and the environment. He has worked in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park and with the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program.