I'm raising $5,000 to complete a 3-month wildlife conservation internship at Wolf Park in Indiana—the first major step toward a career dedicated to wolf conservation and predator coexistence.

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Three weeks ago, I thought I'd be continuing my career as a research manager in social services.

Instead, my team was eliminated due to budget cuts.

While I was navigating the uncertainty of losing my job, I received an email that changed everything.

I had been accepted into a 3-month wildlife conservation internship at Wolf Park in Indiana.

I had less than three weeks to pack my life, drive halfway across the country, and begin building the conservation career I've dreamed about for years.

After a lot of thought, I decided to take the leap.

This internship is the first major step toward my goal of becoming a wildlife conservation professional focused on improving coexistence between people and predators.

A Dream Years in the Making

For as long as I can remember, wolves have inspired me.

As a child, they represented strength, resilience, loyalty, and wisdom. That fascination never faded. Over the years, I followed wolf conservation efforts, supported sanctuaries, and sought opportunities to learn more about predator conservation.

Earlier this year, I visited Yellowstone National Park and watched wild wolf packs roam Lamar Valley. Standing there, I realized I didn't just admire wolves, I wanted to dedicate my career to protecting them.

Although my professional background has been in nonprofit research and evaluation within the scope of economic development and public health, I plan to apply my knowledge and skillset to the field of wildlife conservation. This internship is my opportunity to begin making that transition.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Over the next three months, I'll gain hands-on experience in wolf husbandry, animal care, and conservation education.

The experience I'll gain at Wolf Park will prepare me for graduate school and my long-term goal of earning a PhD in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. With my PhD I hope to coduct in wildlife conservation to improve coexistence between people and predators.

Why I'm Fundraising

The internship provides shared housing and a small stipend, but like many career-changing internships, it doesn't cover the full cost of stepping away from full-time employment.

I'll continue paying health insurance, existing financial obligations back home, transportation, field equipment, and daily living expenses while completing the program.

I'm raising $5,000 to help remove the financial barriers that stand between me and this opportunity.

Your support will help cover:

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps make this opportunity possible.

Follow the Journey

Throughout the internship, I'll share behind-the-scenes stories from Wolf Park, photos from daily life, conservation insights, and reflections on changing careers through my website, Conservation with Christian , and regular GoFundMe updates.

After completing the internship, I'll also host a virtual presentation where supporters can hear about my experience, ask questions, and learn more about wolves and wildlife conservation. In addition, I will send supporters an impact report summarizing what I've accomplished during my stay.

I hope this journey not only documents my experience but also helps more people appreciate wolves, wildlife conservation, and the importance of protecting our natural world.

Looking Ahead

This internship isn't just about three months in Indiana. It's the foundation for a lifelong career in wildlife conservation.

Through Conservation with Christian, I'll continue sharing what I learn, highlighting conservation stories, documenting my experiences in the field, and helping more people understand why predators like wolves matter.

My hope is that this journey inspires others to care more deeply about wildlife, support conservation efforts, and discover their own ways to make a difference.

Thank you for believing in this dream and for investing in the future of wildlife conservation. Whether you donate or simply share this campaign, your support means more than you know.

Estimated Expenses:

Expense Cost

Health insurance (3 months) $1,080

Travel to and from Indiana $700

Field gear & rain equipment $800

Daily living expenses $1,300

Existing obligations while away $1,120

Total Goal $5,000