Experience Reflection: Deandra Jones

With the insights gained and connections made, I am excited to apply the feedback to my ongoing research and continue advancing wildlife conservation efforts within the Navajo Nation. Thank you again to Field Inclusive and Conservation Nation for making this experience a reality.

BY DEANDRA JONES

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Field Inclusive and the generous sponsorship of Conservation Nation, which allowed me to attend and present a poster on my Ph.D. research focused on black bears in the Navajo Nation at The Wildlife Society (TWS) annual conference in Baltimore, Maryland. This was an incredible opportunity, as it marked my first time presenting my Ph.D. research at any national conference. The award I received helped cover essential costs, including airfare, lodging, meals, and the conference registration fee, which was a tremendous help in making this experience possible.

Founded in 1937, The Wildlife Society has a mission to “empower wildlife professionals to advance conservation through science, community, and professional excellence.” This organization plays an important role in enhancing networking and learning opportunities for its members, supporting professional development, and offering platforms to get involved in creating a better future for wildlife and their habitats. With more than 11,000 members, TWS serves a diverse community of scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, and others dedicated to studying and conserving wildlife populations and habitats.

As a student and researcher in wildlife conservation, the conference was a valuable opportunity to engage with leading professionals in the field and exchange ideas. Throughout the week, I attended several talks that closely aligned with my current research on black bears. It was inspiring to learn how others are tackling similar challenges in estimating black bear populations, even in different geographical contexts. I found it particularly rewarding to hear about the methods researchers are using to study black bears, along with their successes and challenges. Networking with these professionals—many of whom are doing the same type of work I am—was invaluable. It’s always fun to connect with others who share my enthusiasm for black bear research.

One of the highlights of the conference was the chance to meet new people and connect with those working with wildlife, tribal nations, and Indigenous communities. I had the opportunity to engage with undergraduate students from Indigenous communities who were considering graduate school, and I was glad to offer them advice based on my own experiences, which was incredibly rewarding. I was also able to attend the annual meeting of the Native Peoples’ Working Group, a group within TWS focused on elevating Indigenous voices in wildlife conservation. This meeting allowed me to meet individuals I had previously only interacted with virtually, and it was exciting to meet them in person.

While the conference was filled with formal presentations and research talks, the informal networking opportunities were equally valuable. Reconnecting with old friends, mentors, and colleagues was another highlight. It was refreshing to follow up on ongoing research projects, share new insights, and receive feedback on my own work. Presenting my own research, though exciting, was also a bit stressful. The poster session provided valuable feedback, and I was able to engage with several attendees who were interested in my work. Some individuals were surprised to learn that the Navajo Nation has black bears, which is part of why my research is so important—raising awareness about the black bear population in this unique region.

Outside of the academic and professional aspects, Baltimore was a wonderful city to explore. During some downtime, I had the chance to visit the Maryland Science Center and the National Aquarium, both of which I highly recommend to future visitors. These experiences provided a welcome break while also expanding my knowledge of marine and aquatic ecosystems, which complemented my terrestrial wildlife research.

In conclusion, attending The Wildlife Society conference was a great experience. It broadened my professional network, deepened my understanding of black bear research, and allowed me to share my work with a wider audience. I am incredibly grateful for the support that made this opportunity possible, and I look forward to continuing my research on black bears in the Navajo Nation and sharing my findings with both the scientific community and the public. With the insights gained and connections made, I am excited to apply the feedback to my ongoing research and continue advancing wildlife conservation efforts within the Navajo Nation. Thank you again to Field Inclusive and Conservation Nation for making this experience a reality.

Deandra Jones (she/her) is a Ph.D. student at the University of Arizona School of Natural Resources and Environment and was a recipient of Field Inclusive’s 2024 Fall Travel Award, sponsored by Conservation Nation.