IIC Graduate Spotlight: Alison Walsh '22

The Institute for Integrative Conservation (IIC) are excited to?support these graduates?as they take the next steps in their academic and professional careers. As part of the IIC Conservation Research Program, Alison Walsh helped develop a sustainability toolkit for William & Mary that will serve as a framework and resource for the university’s offices, departments, and student groups, enabling them to translate sustainability planning into feasible action that aligns with departmental and office goals.?An interview with Alison reveals how?IIC?research?and engagement has?heightened their?William & Mary experiences.

Interview with Alison Walsh

"My work on the W&M Sustainability Toolkit afforded me countless experiences that I would not have otherwise had, such as interviewing faculty, and presenting my work."

Why are you interested in conservation??I started to become passionate about environmental science and conservation when I learned one of my favorite places in the world since I was a child, Daufuskie Island, was projected to be underwater within the century if sea level rise continued. I was about 11 at the time and felt a deep sense of eco-grief. Conservation is not only about the physical protection of a place or species,?it is also about protecting the emotional and cultural ties to a place or species so that future generations have the opportunity to feel similar relationships to nature.?

Why do you think it is important that we take an integrative approach to conservation??There is no one field that can achieve conservation. It takes all hands-on deck to solve our world's conservation issues. You cannot have scientific knowledge without communication skills, you cannot have business sense without sociological awareness. Therefore, all disciplines need to bring their expertise to the table in this struggle for conservation in order to come up with truly innovative solutions.?

In what ways does your work, research, or major contribute to advancing integrative approaches to conservation??Both of my majors, American Studies and Environmental Science &?Policy are interdisciplinary, so I am well-aware of the value of integrative approaches to problem-solving. I have been lucky enough to take classes in most departments because of my majors and because of this, I have a well-rounded education and different types of skills that can be applied to advancing conservation in an integrative way.?

What can the conservation field (broadly defined) learn from your discipline, sector, or major??Environmental Science &?Policy is obviously integral to the conservation field, as they are inextricably linked. However, I think American Studies has contributed to my understanding of how American society arrived at this dire need for conservation through learning about history, sociology, and culture. Therefore, I think the conservation field can learn from the American Studies department by understanding the context in which America was founded and how it currently operates. In comprehending this, the conservation field can take a more informed approach to conservation in America.?

How did your involvement with the IIC enhance your W&M experience??My involvement with the IIC was definitely one of the most rewarding aspects of my W&M career. I felt so supported by my peers and the IIC team while I worked on the year-long research project. I gained innumerable skills, including but not limited to oral communication, written communication, creativity, professional skills, graphic design, the list goes on! I am very grateful for my time with the IIC.?

What advice do you have for W&M students interested in taking an integrative approach to conservation??Take classes within the Conservation program, get involved with the IIC, and broaden your academic horizons as much as possible outside of your major/minor.?

Learn more?about how the IIC is bringing together W&M students from diverse departments and schools to conduct applied conservation research projects with IIC conservation partners.