CASSIE M. CONTRERAS, B.S.

Cassie grew up in Fresno, California, where she spent much of her childhood outdoors in the Sierra. Her love of the natural world led her to pursue higher education in biology. Cassie began her academic career at Fresno City College where she received an Associates of Art degree in Chicano/Latino studies while fulfilling her undergraduate requirements for biological sciences. While at Fresno City College, Cassie took a field biology class that gave her an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of local habitats, plants, and animals. She then completed a B.S. in Wildlife Conservation and Management at Humboldt State University. While at Humboldt State, Cassie worked as a data collection assistant for project that focused on understanding habitat requirements needed to bring Roosevelt elk populations back to indigenous communities. Cassie is passionate about using her knowledge to help her community and inspire others to get involved in preserving local habitats.