Benjamin Ballard Bradley is a senior studying Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging. He is from Dothan, Alabama and enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time in social environments. Bradley pursued his major because he is interested in working in sustainable development within the business sector, for a consultant agency or a renewable or sustainable energy provider. Bradley is president of the Forest Product Society student chapter, vice-president of CFWE Student Ambassadors and is the current undergraduate student representative for the college’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. After graduation, he plans to continue his education through earning a master’s in business administration or a similar business program. Bradley joined the FEWL Academy with the goal of further developing his leadership skills, interacting with policymakers and industry leaders, and networking with fellow members. 

Ally Cobern is a junior studying Wildlife Ecology and Management. She is from Prattville, Alabama, and enjoys making art and spending time outdoors with her family and friends. Cobern is a member of the Honors College, a CFWE Student Ambassador, and an undergraduate research fellow in the Fantle-Lepczyk/Lepczyk lab where she studies the harmful effects of free-ranging dogs on native biodiversity. She has presented her findings nationally and is excited to pursue new research within the Honors College. Cobern applied to FEWL Academy seeking to improve her skills as a leader and as a communicator. Upon graduating, Cobern plans to travel and will pursue a master’s degree to continue learning about the natural world. With this degree and the valuable lessons and mentorship fostered within the FEWL Academy, Cobern will strive to influence environmental policy to promote biodiversity.

Noah Coleman is a junior studying Forestry. Coleman is from Pinson, Alabama, and quickly became interested in forestry after a visit to the former School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences as a prospective student in high school. He enjoys several outdoor hobbies including hunting and fishing throughout the year. In addition to his studies, Coleman is an active member of the Auburn University Bass Fishing Team and competes in multiple intercollegiate tournament events each year. Some of his favorite aspects in forestry involve field practices such as prescribed burning and the implementation of fire breaks in and around forested stands. Upon graduation, Coleman aspires to have a successful career in forestry through utilizing skills learned from the FEWL Academy and throughout his time at Auburn.   

Bayleigh Lamberson is a junior in Wildlife Ecology and Management. She is from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, just off the coast of the Outer Banks where she has spent most of her summers. Growing up on the coast, hiking, and traveling with her family sparked her interest in the outdoors. Lamberson is a member of the Society for Natural Resources and the university chapter of The Wildlife Society. Upon graduation, she plans to obtain a master’s degree in wildlife sciences and ultimately work with a federal agency on the conservation of grey wolves in the western United States. Lamberson believes that her FEWL Academy membership will help to build upon her leadership skills, connect with others and gain critical problem-solving skills that will aid in her career development.  

Jaquie Parker is a junior studying Natural Resources Management and minoring in Nature-based Recreation. She is from Birmingham, Alabama. Parker has an interest in outdoor recreation and environmental interpretation. She hopes to work with the National Park Service upon graduating. Parker is vice-president of the Society for Natural Resources, works with the Forest Health Dynamics lab as an undergraduate research assistant, and occasionally volunteers for the College of Agriculture and the Auburn Museum of Natural History. Parker joined the FEWL Academy with the aspiration to further her leadership and communication skills for the purpose of working with others to advocate for the natural environment.  

Samantha Schweisthal is a senior studying Natural Resources Management with a minor in Sociology. She is from Las Vegas, Nevada and grew up hiking and exploring desert terrain. Mrs. Schweisthal works as a lab technician in the Longleaf Pine Stand Dynamic Laboratory, assisting with and performing research in laboratory and field settings. She is a volunteer for the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia where she works with Ranger Families to provide support specific to community needs. Post-baccalaureate, she plans to attend graduate school at Auburn University. Upon completion of her academic studies, she wishes to pursue a career in environmental interpretation or wood procurement. Mrs. Schweisthal applied to the FEWL Academy to further develop her leadership and communication abilities and looks forward to developing connections with others in her field.

Rory Smith is a junior studying Geospatial and Environmental Informatics. She is from Madison, Alabama and loves reading, collecting and listening to vinyl records, and exploring nature. Smith is currently the secretary-treasurer for the university chapter of the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), a member of the Auburn University Marching Band, and vice president of ritual for the music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota. She is interested in using mapping software, analyzing satellite imagery, and environmental data collection. As a member of the FEWL Academy, Smith hopes to make lasting friendships, grow as an individual, and strengthen her leadership and communication skills. 

Lauren Stevens is a junior studying Wildlife Ecology and Management. She is from Birmingham, Alabama and enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family. Stevens’ passion for wildlife conservation and leadership has driven her to become a CFWE Student Ambassador, a member of the university chapter of The Wildlife Society, and a volunteer for various research labs within the college. Stevens feels lucky to be part of such a valuable organization and is excited for the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to her college as a member of the FEWL Academy. She believes this experience will provide a unique opportunity to network with wildlife professionals, connect with peers, and introduce new ways to improve the college. 

Alex Warr is a junior studying Forestry with a double minor in Business and Leadership Studies. Warr is from Early County, Georgia, and enjoys hunting, golfing, and spending time with friends and family. He grew up around the forestry industry and is a third generation Auburn forestry student. Warr decided to follow in his family’s footsteps because he loves the idea of using timber as a renewable resource to create diverse products used around the world. He plans to enter the procurement side of forestry. Warr will utilize the leadership skills learned during his time with the FEWL Academy for self-improvement and contribution to his future workplace. 

Josie Wolan is a junior studying Wildlife Sciences with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. She is from Chicago, Illinois, and enjoys being outdoors, volunteering with animals, and advocating for the well-being of all animals. Wolan is earning a minor in Biological Sciences and is applying to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine to become a Wildlife or Exotic Veterinarian. She hopes to work in animal sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers around the world to provide medical attention to animals that are often overlooked. She joined FEWL to develop her communication, team building, and leadership skills. Wolan is excited to meet with industry professionals to broaden her knowledge of natural resources, specifically within the process of policy making and its impact on the animals she plans to work with.  

Lauren Wright is a senior studying Wildlife Ecology and Management. She is from Woodville, Alabama and enjoys birdwatching, graphic design, and playing the mandolin. While Wright is interested in many facets of wildlife management, she is passionate about the conservation of nongame mammals. She has valuable field experience with many species through volunteer programs and government agency internships. As a student of the FEWL Academy, Wright hopes to develop her interpersonal skills and become a more well-rounded leader. She believes this opportunity will help her develop meaningful connections with her fellow students and help her excel as a wildlife professional.