Hi! My name is Madeline (or Maddy) Hulle and I am currently a senior at UC Santa Barbara studying environmental science. This is something I have been extremely passionate about ever since I was a kid, as I grew up exploring tide pools and hiking trails, always fascinated by how ecosystems work together. I've always believed that understanding our environment is the first step toward protecting it, and that curiosity has only grown stronger over the years. This is why I went on a turtle conservation research trip to the US Virgin Islands in 2023, where I spent my time monitoring nesting sites and collecting vital data on population health and behavior. This data that my research team collected was added to a global conservation database that helps researchers worldwide track trends, identify threats, and develop effective protection strategies. Working hands-on with these creatures alongside a team of such dedicated and passionate students showed me the real-world impact of environmental science and reinforced my commitment to conservation work that makes a tangible difference.