04 Feb Paula’s Intro Blog

Hi! I’m Paula Maria Silva.

I was born in central New Jersey. Growing up in a state that is so densely populated and thus heavily degraded, my passion for conservation began at a young age. My family spent many summers in the Berkshires, in the mountains of Massachusetts, where my sisters and I would collect rocks, worms, and memories that last a lifetime. As a first-generation American and first-gen college student, navigating life can often be challenging and confusing. However, taking AP Environmental Science during my senior year of high school was a determining factor in the field I would later choose to pursue.  

I received my Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in southwest Ohio, where I studied Environmental Earth Science and co-majored in Sustainability. During my time at Miami, I participated in various research projects focusing on anthropogenic impacts on vegetation and soils. I interned on Miami’s organic farm, the Institute for Food, and volunteered at the Hueston Woods State Park Nature Center, which hosts a wildlife rehabilitation program. My time in Ohio truly solidified my passion for sustainable stewardship. 

In my free time, I love to cook, bake, read, and hike with my dog. Having recently moved to Boise, Idaho, I feel incredibly fortunate to work with the Maintaining Resilient Dryland Ecosystems (MRDE) research lab, and for all of the valuable experiences and opportunities the RA internship program offers. I look forward to exploring and learning about a new part of the country, making meaningful connections, and memories that last a lifetime.