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Tropical Leaves
Kyra Headshot

Kyra Ricci

I’m Kyra Ricci, a PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology. My work focuses on examining the influence of informal education and communication efforts (outreach and community science) on audience knowledge and perceptions of ecological and environmental sciences. My interests include ecotoxicology, informal science education, community science, and environmental communication.

Goals

  1. Apply theory in environmental communication and informal education to high-impact practice.

  2. Improve accessibility of science to broader audiences.

  3. Integrate interdisciplinary teams of scientists, artists, engineers, and educators.

About Me

Current Appointments

National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow (GRFP)

PhD Candidate in the Hua Lab at UW Madison, Wildlife Ecology

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Research Experience

I received my B.S. in Biology (2020) from Coastal Carolina University. During my time at Coastal, I carried out research assistantships in neurogenetics and cancer biology. I also completed an international research internship studying molecular circadian biology at the University of Zurich in Switzerland. In 2020, I began my doctoral studies in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at Binghamton University with Dr. Jessica Hua, investigating amphibian disease ecology and science communication. In the Fall of 2022, I moved with the Hua Lab to continue this work at UW-Madison in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology.

 

About Me

Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors and exploring local parks and museums. When at home, I love taking care of my many houseplants, reading, and running.

Kyra wearing waders and holding a large dipnet at Binghamton University's Nature Preserve
Kyra talking about amphibians with two children

Image Credit:  Alyssa Micha WSKG

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