Meet Carly Fenstermacher, a graduate student in the Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences department at the University of Illinois. Carly is passionate about the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and is currently working with her advisor, Joseph Parkos, director of Kaskaskia, Ridge Lake, and Sam Parr Biological Stations at the Illinois Natural History Survey.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Marine biologist
What drew you to your current field of study?
My love for fish, animals, and nature and my curiosity for the underwater world.
What do you love about your work at PRI?
Working outside and being immersed in nature.
How will your work impact future generations?
My work will provide insight into how degraded reservoirs respond to artificial habitat manipulation in hopes of enhancing the health and sustainability of freshwater ecosystems for future generations.