November 2022 ABI Alum Spotlight: Madison Cornish

I am part of the graduating class of 2022 with a Bachelor's in Animal Biology and Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. I am originally from Stockton, CA, and I at first chose UC Davis because I wanted to be a veterinarian (while sticking close to home). However, over the course of my undergraduate experience, I learned more about the world around me and what kind of research opportunities are available with an Animal Biology degree.

Eventually, I decided to shift my career prospects to working in conservation, where I conducted my practicum research project on the effects of urbanization and wildfire on the activity of bobcats in Southern California. The background knowledge that the ABI major gave me was invaluable for this project to both utilize biology and conservation techniques to develop my results.

As of now, I am applying for positions with the Department of Fish and Wildlife in California to conduct research in the Central Valley. With everything that this major has taught me, I know I am prepared for the responsibilities that would be expected of me, and I fully embrace them. I am extremely appreciative of the major and everyone involved within it who helped me get to where I am today.