Sam Crowe is a junior studying Forestry. She is from Melbourne Beach, Florida but now resides in Beauregard, Alabama. Sam enjoys any outdoor activities, though freshwater fishing is her favorite. She is a mother of a two-year-old little boy who is her motivation for continuing her education. She worked for her mother-in-law for several summers in forestry, inspiring her to become a forester. Being a mother, Sam has not had much time to participate in activities or groups at Auburn. However, when the FEWL Academy opportunity presented itself, she wanted to make the time to be a part of it. Sam hopes to improve her leadership and communication skills, as well as create professional connections within her field.

Cailey Smith is a junior studying Geospatial and Environmental Informatics. She is from Dallas, Texas. Cailey grew up in Australia, inspiring her interest in the environment. Her major combines her environmental interest and passion for technology and computer intelligence. After graduation, she plans to use her GIS degree to contribute to urban planning and urban forestry to create a sustainable relationship between humans and the environment. Cailey joined the FEWL Academy to interact with more women in this field and seek advice for her future. Additionally, Cailey seeks to become a more effective leader and learn more about GIS and natural resources from professionals.

Kendall Anderson is a junior studying Wildlife Sciences with a Pre-Veterinary concentration. She is from Charleston, South Carolina. She enjoys traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her family and friends. As a CFWE Student Ambassador, Kendall has been able to combine her passion for leadership and wildlife. Kendall is expectant for the community the FEWL Academy will bring, as well as the opportunity to represent her college as she grows in leadership and service. She believes the FEWL Academy will become a better communicator, effective leader, and team player, which will transfer to her future career as a veterinarian.

Mary Ashlee Hughes is a senior studying Natural Resources Management with a minor in Watershed Sciences. She is from Silverhill, Alabama, which is where she found her love for the outdoors. Mary Ashlee is involved in several of the college’s clubs, labs, and volunteer opportunities. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Society for Natural Resources, Student Ambassador, the 2023-2024 Coastal Resilience Team, and a part of Dr. Christoper Anderson’s Wetland Lab. Mary Ashlee is also conducting research surrounding soil alteration in headwater wetlands using IRIS tubes for Auburn University as an Undergraduate Research Fellow. Mary Ashlee plans to become a Natural Resources Planner and encourage women to enter the natural resources management field. She hopes to gain leadership skills and experiences through the FEWL Academy.

Thomas Davis is a junior studying Forestry with a minor in Business Administration. He is from Tampa, FL. Thomas enjoys hunting, football, and spending time with friends and family. Thomas changed his major to Forestry after learning more about the industry from close friends. Thomas is fascinated with business strategies and the reliability of statistical analysis, which is necessary for the ever-changing timber market. He plans to combine his business and forestry interests by entering the procurement side of forestry. Thomas hopes to gain valuable leadership skills, cultivate meaningful relationships, and learn how to build a strong team through the FEWL Academy.

Connor Cox is a junior majoring in Forestry. He is from Cordova, Alabama. He enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. Connor is a first-generation forestry student. He became interested in forestry after a ride along with a local forester. After visiting the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, he knew he wanted to be a part of it. Upon graduating, Connor plans to work in the wood procurement side of the forest industry. Connor hopes to implement the leadership skills he gains from the FEWL Academy in his future career.

John Strauss is a junior majoring in Wildlife Enterprise Management. He is from Vero Beach, Florida. John developed a lifelong passion for nature and the outdoors through fishing trips in the Indian River Lagoon and hunting in eastern North Carolina. John is avidly interested in developing recreational opportunities that conserve natural resources within hunting and fishing. John currently serves on the Cabinet Committee for Ducks Unlimited at Auburn University and is a member of the Wildlife Society. After graduation, John plans on continuing his education by earning a master’s degree in business administration, while taking additional classes in Wildlife Resource Management. John joined the FEWL Academy to develop his leadership and communication skills, while also networking with professionals in the field.

Gigi Sharp is a junior studying Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging, with a minor in Graphic and Industrial Design. She is from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. GiGi wanted to be able to combine her creativity and her interest in STEM, which is how she chose her degree path. Like most students within the CFWE, GiGi has always had a passion for the environment. She enjoys spending her time outdoors, participating in activities such as hiking, camping, rafting, and everything in between. Gigi hopes to incorporate sustainability into uncommon spaces, research new, innovative materials, and integrate sustainable design into products and packaging. She was recently hired to conduct undergraduate research on plastics. GiGi is currently working at an EPA-compliant water testing lab. GiGi also serves as a Young Life leader, a CFWE Student ambassador, and a member of the BIOP society. She joined FEWL to grow my leadership skills, while also creating bonds in and outside of the college.

Jack Kennedy is a junior majoring in Forestry. He is from Brantley, Alabama. Growing up in Brantley, Jack developed a passion for forestry through his family’s involvement in the timber business. Jack likes to golf, hunt, cook, and enjoy quality time with friends and family. After graduating, Jack seeks to enter the timber business as a third-generational forester with an emphasis on procurement and logging. He believes the leadership skills acquired through the FEWL Academy will assist him in reaching this goal.

Emily Legg is a senior majoring in Wildlife Ecology and Management with a minor in Animal Sciences. She is from Eclectic, Alabama. She enjoys being outdoors, playing instruments, and spending time with friends and family. Emily has been working for Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems for two years. Through environmental education projects, Emily is interested in this field. She is a CFWE Student Ambassador, a member of the university chapter of The Wildlife Society, and a Discipleship Chair at her college ministry. Emily is very appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of the FEWL Academy. She is especially intrigued to learn how to interact and cultivate relationships with others in the Academy. She hopes to grow individually and with her community.

Morgan Kelly is a junior majoring in Wildlife Sciences with a Pre-Veterinarian concentration. She is from Gadsden, Alabama. Morgan loves working with animals and watching baseball. After graduation, she hopes to attend Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine to become a wildlife or small animal veterinarian. She also has an interest in the conservation of threatened and endangered animals. Morgan joined the FEWL Academy to meet new people, learn more about different professions in the wildlife industry, and build communication and teamwork skills. Morgan hopes her time in the FEWL Academy will help her become a successful veterinarian and conservationist.

Marley Lee is a junior majoring in Natural Resources Management with a minor in Environmental Law. She is from Huntsville, Alabama. Marley loves exploring the outdoors, spending time with her family and friends, and traveling. Marley is currently employed at Donald E. Davis Arboretum and assists in maintaining the special collections there. This position fuels her love for the environment and has provided her with opportunities to learn more about the ecological importance of maintaining Alabama’s native flora and fauna. Marley has undergone wildland firefighter training through The Nature Conservancy and is interested in using this newfound knowledge to promote the benefits of burning ecosystems to foster growth. In addition to her love for nature, Lee also enjoys listening to music and DJing her show in Auburn’s student radio block, WEGL 91.1. As a member of FEWL Academy, Lee hopes to strengthen herself as a leader, become a better communicator, and overall learn how to perform more efficiently in the professional world.