I have one more week as a DFP and have enjoyed all my time being a part of the FWS. This experience has given me a glimpse of the actions and conservation services that the FWS provides for the country and the world. Everyone that I have had the privilege to talk to at the FWS approaches issues with a scientific mindset and with the utmost professionalism. I appreciated that everyone was sincere, showed their authentic selves, and was enthusiastic about working towards a better future. This was something that really stood out to me and hope I am able to join the FWS community after graduation. Learning more about foreign and domestic threatened and endangered species has really cemented my passion for helping to conserve these species. It is exciting to know that there are so many opportunities to contribute to the FWS’s mission whether it be at a field or regional office to a refuge or a law enforcement division. Looking back at the projects I have worked on, the amazing people I have connected with, and the invaluable time spent within the FWS culture during my DFP, I can definitely say that this was the best summer opportunity that I could have been a part of.

Photo Credit: USFWS

Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Program: US Fish & Wildlife Service - DFP

Location: Fish and Wildlife Headquarters, Washington Office

I am just about halfway through my DFP and it feels like I just started. I am beginning to realize that this DFP position was the best opportunity that I could have hoped for when searching for an internship for Summer 2021. I am connecting with so many biologists and important members of the FWS. There are many aspects and processes of the FWS that I was unaware of and I am only now getting a real understanding of what the FWS does and the work and research that goes into protecting species around the world.

Personally, I have seen improvement in my communication and writing skills. I have been able to participate in several briefings and see firsthand how employees from field and regional offices and headquarters all interact with each other on a professional level. From the many power point presentations that I have seen from FWS employees, I have learned what an effective and thorough presentation looks like. Furthermore, I have gained insight on how constructive criticism and suggestions can be given in such a way that helps and guides someone’s ideas in a positive manner.

Looking towards the time left in my 11-week DFP position, I am looking forward to continuing my relationship with the employees within the Foreign Species Branch and building my knowledge of the ESA. I am hoping to learn new ways of being proactive in protecting species that are not yet listed and how to best prevent future listings.  

Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Program: Directorate Fellows Program

Location: Fish and Wildlife Headquarters, Washington Office

I am about a month into my Directorate Fellowship Program (DFP) position, and I am still just as excited as I was when I started. I am starting to understand what accomplishments the Foreign Species Department of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) achieves. It is amazing how much these employees can accomplish with the limited staff within the department. I have been reviewing foreign species candidates and updating the corresponding forms. The academic courses covering the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that I have taken dealt with domestic species only so reviewing foreign species has given me an appreciation for the lesser-known species that could benefit from greater awareness. While the tasks and writing styles are unfamiliar, I have been guided by the Ecological Services team. Working in the Headquarters, I am exposed to a lot of the policy processes and gain insight on how documents and decisions are moved through field offices and regional offices up to Headquarters.

While this position is remote, I believe there are some benefits that I would not have been able to take advantage of if this position was in-person. I can participate in meetings that involve other departments and projects. The team members that I am working with can connect me to experts and biologists all over the country that may be in a different department.

Within my DFP placement, I am looking forward to learning more about International Affairs and how they work with different countries to help conserve foreign species. I think international communication is important when trying to achieve the overall goal of protecting and enhancing biodiversity around the globe. Conserving at-risk species not only helps in the short run, but also helps to sustain needed ecological services. My passion for conserving wildlife and working towards a more compassionate society has allowed me to fit in and work alongside likeminded individuals at the FWS.    

All the DFPs are assigned to a mentor. I think that this is important because this opportunity lets us get to know some FWS employees on a personal level. The mentors have volunteered their time and are dedicated to advising DFPs. I have only had a few meetings with my mentor, but so far, I am very thankful to have a senior biologist that has been in the FWS for a long time and is able to answer any of my questions. My mentor is very personable and enjoys engaging in our projects and general lives. Being remote for over a year now through school and now with my DFP position, I feel as though it is helpful to be able to talk about our daily lives including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically. I am looking forward to connecting with my mentor throughout the summer and beyond.

I have had a wonderful first month and can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer holds working as a DFP at the FWS Headquarters!   

-Image Credit: USFWS

Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Program: US Fish & Wildlife Service - DFP

Location: Fish and Wildlife Headquarters, Washington Office

Aditya Sastry is a Junior at the University of Maryland and is pursuing a degree in Biodiversity & Conservation biology. He is  passionate about Wildlife conservation and aspires to work with similar minded people to mitigate the effects of global and  climate change on wildlife and other life on earth. Aditya has had the opportunity to work with Dr. Zarin Machanda, who does  Chimpanzee research for the Kibale Project in Uganda. He is assisting with her research by working on a project that  examines Chimpanzee tool use in the wild. He has also had the opportunity to work in Dr. Erica Glasper’s Animal and Human  Relationship lab at the University of Maryland. During this opportunity, he helped conduct a project to further understand the  effects of stress on the relationships formed between animals. Recently, he has developed an extreme interest in Geographic  Information Systems and has decided to pursue that as a minor degree to help assist him in his future career.