Advanced Inquiry Program

Meet AIP Students

Meet a Career Changer

RJ Hawkins ('25) hails from the financial world! He shares about his journey, "about two and a half years into my career as an auditor I realized my work wasn’t making the impact that I wanted it to. As someone always interested in the environment, I wanted to utilize my background and skills to tackle the biggest problems our world faces today." About this program, "This [AIP] journey has cultivated my confidence as someone capable of designing and implementing impactful, community-centered conservation initiatives in urban settings."
Master Plan: Using Community-Focused Environmental Initiatives to Increase Biodiversity and Aid in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Urban Areas

Get the experience and connections you need in a field-based, flexible program designed for busy adults.

Meet a Future Conservationist

Lara Vezard ('24) jumped into the conservation world immediately after finishing undergrad from Rutgers University. She shares, "Choosing AIP at the Wildlife Conservation Society aligned with my aspirations to help animals and nature, and create community and global impact. I can confidently say [AIP] was the best decision of my academic career. This decision led to meaningful roles with AmeriCorps Climate Change Corps and Middlesex County’s Conservation Corps, where I gained conservation, sustainability, and education experience while building community partnerships."
Master Plan: Wild About Conservation: Educating and Empowering New Jersey Communities on Protecting Native Endangered Wildlife

From graduation to conservation: turn your degree into a full conservation career.

Meet a Fellow Zoo & Wildlife Enthusiast

Nox Wong ('25) is a zoo enthusiast passionate about their community. Nox's Master Plan focused on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and "evolved through not only a wish to understand my own Chinese origins and what my place is in the US, but to further respect the land that I was born on and the people who had been there 10,000 years and counting." Following their time in AIP, Nox shares, "I [now] have a more refined voice to speak with, a greater conviction for social and ecological justice, and a beautiful network of people who care about the same thing."
Master Plan: The Land Heals but So Do We: An Exploratory Journey of Decolonization Through Art and Connection

Join a community that shares your passion.

Meet an Informal Science Professional

Christine Peralta ('24) is the Manager of Education at Prospect Park Zoo and a New York City native who cares deeply about her community and how it connects to the environment. She shares, "As a resident of Bushwick Houses, a government-run public housing complex in Brooklyn comprising eight buildings with over 1,200 apartments, I strive to increase the connection between residents and foster a sense of place by increasing environmental stewardship opportunities and participation to improve our social resiliency." About AIP Christine shares, "I've become an even more empathetic leader, able to work with an increasing number of diverse personalities. I’ve also learned new ways to delegate work to others to provide opportunities to diversify their skill set."
Master Plan: Increasing environmental stewardship in Bushwick Houses, Brooklyn, New York

Grow your career, grow your community!

Meet an Educator

Patti Jenkins, Ed.d. ('24) is a veteran educator. Through AIP, Patti "completed projects that have supported sustainable food practices and built environmental science programs in schools." She found AIP important and helpful for her work as an educator and as a person. "[The AIP] has been transformative for my professional growth, as well as for my personal achievements.... As an educator, I am nothing if I refuse to learn or challenge myself.... Having opportunities to work collaboratively with my community, colleagues, and contacts through the Dragonfly AIP program has encouraged me to look more deeply into the available resources. Ultimately, I aspire to provide a connection between personal well-being and a healthy planet."
Master Plan: Food for All: Advocating Sustainable Practices and Allergy-Friendly Solutions

Teach. Inspire. Lead with Conservation.