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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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 improving coexistence between people and predators.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

Just a few weeks ago, I thought I'd be continuing my career as a research manager in the nonprofit sector.

Instead, my team was eliminated due to budget cuts.

While navigating the uncertainty of losing my job, I received an email that changed everything: I had been accepted into a three-month wildlife conservation internship at Wolf Park.

With less than three weeks to prepare, I packed my life, drove halfway across the country, and chose to pursue a dream I've carried for years.

For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by wolves. Earlier this year, watching wild wolf packs in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley confirmed what I already knew—I wanted to dedicate my career to wildlife conservation.

Although my professional background has been in nonprofit research and evaluation, helping organizations improve programs in public health and economic development, I'm now applying those same research and analytical skills to conservation.

Why This Internship Matters

Over the next three months, I'll gain hands-on experience in wolf husbandry, animal care, conservation education, and behavioral observation while working alongside experienced wildlife professionals.

This experience will prepare me for graduate school and my long-term goal of earning a PhD focused on improving coexistence between people and predators through research, education, and conservation.

Why I'm Fundraising

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

While completing the internship, I'll continue paying for health insurance and existing financial obligations back home, along with transportation, field gear, and daily living expenses.

I'm raising $5,000 to help remove those financial barriers so I can fully focus on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Estimated Expenses

Health insurance (3 months): $1,080

Travel to and from Indiana: $700

Field gear and rain equipment: $800

Daily living expenses: $1,300

Existing financial obligations while away: $1,120

Total Goal: $5,000

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

Follow the Journey

Throughout the internship, I'll share behind-the-scenes stories, photos, conservation insights, and reflections through my website, Conservation with Christian, and regular GoFundMe updates.

At the end of the internship, supporters will receive an impact report summarizing what I accomplished and will be invited to a virtual presentation where I'll share what I learned and answer questions about wolves, wildlife conservation, and my experience.

Business Sponsorship Opportunities

I'm also seeking sponsorships from businesses that believe in investing in education, conservation, and future environmental leaders.

Wildlife Supporter — $100

-Business listed on my website's sponsor page

Recognition in my internship impact report

Social media thank-you

Conservation Partner — $500

-All Wildlife Supporter benefits

Business logo featured on my website sponsor page

Recognition in an internship update

Featured in my impact report

Invite to attend private virtual presentation (in-person negotiable)

Conservation Champion — $1,000+

-All Conservation Partner benefits

Recognition as a lead sponsor on my website

Acknowledgment during my post-internship presentation

Personalized thank-you letter with photos and highlights from my experience (where permitted by Wolf Park)

Private in-person presentation (local to Fort Worth only) to you and your team after my return

If your business is interested in sponsoring this opportunity, please message me through GoFundMe.

Thank You

This internship is more than three months in Indiana—it's the foundation for a lifelong career in wildlife conservation.

Thank you for believing in this dream and investing in my future. Whether you donate, sponsor, or simply share this campaign, you're helping make this next chapter possible.

I can't wait to share the journey with you.