Hello
I'm Kayla
I’m a former U.S. Army officer and writer transitioning to conservation management and capacity building.
During this career pivot, I’m seeking to leverage eight years of experience in operations, project management, and team-building to drive inclusive conservation outcomes that enhance communities’ capacity for stewardship and coexistence.
Currently, I’m an environmental management graduate student at University of Hawaiʻi researching wildlife rangers in Dr. Oleson’s lab.
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 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.
SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
- 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
Current
Research
Wildlife rangers have one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Understaffed, underequipped, and underfunded, they’re expected to protect and steward millions of hectares of protected areas with little training or support.
While the broader professionalization and capacity-building of the ranger workforce interests me, my current research focus is specifically women rangers.
Rangers need advocacy and representation, and I’m working to contribute in this space.
2008-2012: United States Military Academy, West Point, NEW YORK
B.S. International Relations, Environmental Engineering Track
2023-Current: University of Hawaiʻi, HONOLULU, HAWAIʻi
Masters of Environmental Management, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management
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