Molly Carlson is a visiting scientific specialist in the Wetlands Geology section at the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS). With a B.S. in Wildlife and Conservation Biology from Ohio University and an M.S. in Freshwater Conservation from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Molly brings expertise in wetland ecosystems. For the past three years, her research has focused on the habitat associations, phylogenetics, and distribution of burrowing crayfish across Illinois. Now, she’s applying her skills to monitor wetland restoration sites and evaluate water quality in critical habitats for endangered species. Keep reading to learn more about Molly's journey, the tools she relies on, and her advice for those starting out in her field.
Q&A with Molly Carlson
Q: Can you tell us about yourself and your role at PRI?
A: I work in the Wetlands Geology section of ISGS as a visiting scientific specialist. We monitor wetland restoration sites and evaluate water quality in critical habitats for threatened and endangered species.
Q: What drew you to your area of work or study?
A: My work with burrowing crayfish focused on their habitat associations, phylogenetics, and distribution. This strengthened my appreciation of wetland ecosystems and the vital role they play for so many organisms.
Q: What tools are indispensable to your work?
A: GIS is essential for our work. Without it, relaying the data we collect from the sites would be impossible.
Q: What questions do you get asked most frequently about your career? How do you answer those questions?
A: One of the questions I get most often is why I chose this career. The answer is because I wanted to do something meaningful and fulfilling. The work being done at ISGS is making a difference, and I'm excited to be a part of that.
Q: What advice would you give to those just starting out in your field?
A: Always keep an open mind. I had no idea five years ago that I’d be in the career I am today, but I asked questions, took advantage of the opportunities available to me, and said yes to those opportunities as often as I could.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, camping, cooking, and reading mystery novels