

MENTORING YOUNG WILDLIFE PROFESSIONALS
VIEW is committed to mentoring the next generation of wildlife professionals, with a special focus on supporting women in science and conservation. Through education, hands-on field experience, and career-building opportunities, we aim to empower emerging leaders to shape the future of wildlife health and biodiversity protection.
ABOUT THE PROJECT

At VIEW, we believe that advancing conservation means investing in people, especially women. Our Mentoring Young Wildlife Professionals project supports early-career individuals through immersive training, mentorship, and exposure to real-world conservation challenges.
This initiative is designed to provide young women with the skills, confidence, and network needed to thrive in wildlife health careers. Whether it's participating in fieldwork, contributing to research, or building professional capacity, we help equip the next generation to lead in protecting species and ecosystems around the world.
MEET THE MENTEE
Sydney Watts

Our first mentee, Sydney Watts, is a junior at Montana State University studying Organismal Biology with aspirations to become a wildlife veterinarian. Sydney joined VIEW as a pre-veterinary intern in the summer of 2024, contributing to conservation communications, wildlife health programs, and digital data systems.
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Now continuing her internship into 2025, Sydney is gaining field experience with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP). She is involved in two major projects:
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Bat Observation Initiatives: Supporting FWP’s efforts to monitor bat populations and strengthen conservation outcomes for these ecologically vital species.
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Elk Collar Study: Working alongside wildlife biologists in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Sydney is helping collar cow elk to track herd movement across increasingly populated landscapes. The elk are humanely captured using clover traps, sedated for safe handling, and fitted with tracking collars.
Through these experiences, Sydney is building core conservation skills while contributing meaningfully.
