21 Jun About Me!

Hello!

My name is MacKenzie Kuras, my pronouns are she/her/hers and I am an intern for EFTA and the Ventura Audubon Society! I am currently a full time student at California State University Channel Islands majoring in enviro-

nmental science and resource management with an emphasis in marine and coastal systems and a minor in biology. I just finished up my second year and plan to graduate in spring 2023.

Some topics I am passionate about are environmental justice, sustainability in the fashion industry, the effect of climate change on coral reefs and conservation of endangered species. With that being said I am so excited to be working with VAS over the summer to protect the Western Snowy Plover and the California Least Tern.

How I got Involved with VAS!

I became involved with the Ventura Audubon Society through one of my classes this past semester. One of the requirements for my class was to complete service learning hours with VAS. After learning about their mission in class, I fell in love with the work they are doing! I would take any opportunity I was given to volunteer and help out at Ormond beach. During this time I learned so much about how VAS protects the Western Snowy Plover and the California Least Tern. After spending my semester working and volunteering with VAS I applied for the internship and gratefully accepted my position! I am amazed to see how my this volunteer opportunity lead me to a possible career path.

I am pictured on the far right helping build a fence for a newly found Snowy Plover nest.

In addition to my goal of finishing my bachelors degree, I also plan on attending graduate school. I am hoping to get the opportunity to travel to different countries and see different types of marine environments across the world. Furthermore, I am specifically hoping to focus on marine life or coastal environments in my future career.

I am so excited for the opportunity I have been given by EFTA and VAS!