Hello
I'm Kayla
I’m currently a graduate student in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management at the University of Hawaiʻi, where my research focuses on the impact of women’s inclusion in the ranger workforce. My past work in terrestrial and marine conservation, habitat restoration, human-wildlife conflict, and humanitarian operations security has taken me to projects in the USA, Central America, and Africa.
As a former U.S. Army officer transitioning to conservation management, I bring eight years of experience in operations, project management, and team building to my work. My professional interests include driving inclusive conservation outcomes to enhance communities’ capacity for stewardship, particularly through ranger capacity building, professionalization, and strengthening ranger-community relationships.
My Work
At a Glance
2012-2020: Army Officer
Eight years of active duty with positions ranging from platoon leader in Liberia during the Ebola virus humanitarian crisis to Military Police company commander for over 150 soldiers.
SKILLS AND EXPERTISE
- Leadership and Supervisory Experience
- Project Development and Implementation
- International Humanitarian Operations
- Law Enforcement Training Management
- Collaboration and Team Building
- Supply and Logistics Coordination
2020-2023: Conservation
Over a year of cumulative conservation experience on five different projects around the world, ranging from sea turtle hatchery management in Costa Rica to rhino dehorning and ranger training in South Africa.
EXPERIENCE
- Wildlife Ranger Training and Education
- Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation
- African Elephant Tracking and Monitoring
- Camera Trap Setup and Data Collection
- Sea Turtle Tagging, Monitoring, and Hatchery Management
- Community Workshops
- Beehive and Apiary Maintenance and Monitoring
- Youth Environmental Education
- Wildlife and Timber Surveys
- Marketing and Digital Content Strategy
Who I've worked with
Current
Research
Rangers play a crucial yet challenging role in global conservation efforts. Frequently facing shortages in staffing, equipment, and funding, rangers are expected to safeguard millions of hectares of protected areas, often with little training or institutional support.
While the broader issues of professionalization and capacity-building within the ranger workforce interest me, my current research focus is specifically on the impact of women rangers on community-ranger relationships.
Rangers need advocacy and representation, which is why I’m working to contribute within this space.
Current
Research
Rangers play a crucial yet challenging role in global conservation efforts. Frequently facing shortages in staffing, equipment, and funding, rangers are expected to safeguard millions of hectares of protected areas, often with little training or institutional support.
While the broader issues of professionalization and capacity-building within the ranger workforce interest me, my current research focus is specifically on the impact of women rangers on community-ranger relationships.
Rangers need advocacy and representation, which is why I’m working to contribute within this space.
2023-CURRENT: UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI, HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI
Masters of Environmental Management, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management
2008-2012: UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY, WEST POINT, NEW YORK
B.S. International Relations, Environmental Engineering Track
COURSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Wilderness First Aid Certification
- Type 2 Wildland Firefighter Certification
- Military Police Captains Career Course
- Incident Command System FEMA Certifications
- Helicopter Sling Load Operations Certification