Karah is originally from:
I grew up in Douglas, WY, a small town on the high plains of Wyoming.
Favorite animal:
One of my favorite animals is a Beluga Whale. The way that they make so many different sounds is fascinating to me and I love how they seem to embody both intelligence and playfulness.
Favorite thing to do when not working:
When I’m not working, I enjoy staying active and spending quality time with my family. I love going to spin classes! They’re a great way to recharge and stay energized. I also find a lot of joy in working on craft projects, which give me a creative outlet and a chance to unwind.
Childhood role model:
Mardy Murie was a pivotal role model for me as a teen, and I was fortunate enough to meet her and hear her story shortly before she passed. As one of the first women to work at the intersection of ecology and policy, she broke barriers in a field historically dominated by men, paving the way for future generations of women in conservation. Her work in Wyoming, especially her engagement with the Teton Science School, played a key role in shaping my early understanding of ecology, conservation, and place-based education. Her legacy continues to inspire my work and reminds me of the power of passion and persistence in protecting wild places, and the importance of engaging all voices in conversations about conservation.
Most memorable experience in nature:
One of my favorite work memories is catching frogs after a large rainstorm in Virginia! Using the headlights of our car, we were able to spot and catch frogs that had come out on the roadway. It was such a fun and unexpected moment, and I was able to identify several species I had never seen before.
