Welcome to our newest Environmental Projects Intern, Alex DuBuclet! Alex was born in Tallahassee, Florida, but they moved around until their dad retired from the Marine Corps and settled in Maryland. Growing up without pets and in primarily similar suburban neighborhoods, Alex has always had a curiosity and excitement for nature and animals. High school allowed them to tap into that interest further, becoming first fixated on microorganisms and now invertebrates. For the past 2 ½ years, they’ve been doing fieldwork and research at Bowie State University, dealing with animal diets in invasive species in Maryland and Kauai, Hawaii. Aside from that, Alex loves drawing and making art, taking long walks, reading all types of books and playing video games with whatever free time they have on their hands.

A person smiling for a selfie

Alex DuBuclet

Learn more about Alex below!

Q: How did you get interested in the environment? What made you choose your major?

A: I’ve always enjoyed being outside and exploring topics related to the environment in passing, but it wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I became truly interested in the environment, particularly animal ecology. This was a result of a zoology class I was taking at the time; the teacher, and now my mentor, Dr. Anne Wiley, really pulled me into the topics we covered in class. The research we conducted was also incredibly hands-on and it felt amazing to be doing something that could lend a hand to conservationists elsewhere. Those experiences coupled with my pre-existing love for the environment led me in the direction I’m in right now! The reason I became a biology major is similar; I was in a pre-biomedical program in high school, and a very good teacher inspired me to continue STEM and biology.

Q: What excites you the most about the Environmental Projects Internship?

A: I’m most excited to get outside! I like having a balance of both field work and research. Lately I’ve been cooped up in a lab at the Natural Sciences building at BSU, so I’m looking forward to moving around and enjoying the outdoors. Aside from that, I’m just excited to learn anything and everything I can.

Q: What environmental/Chesapeake Bay issue are you most passionate about?

A: I’m most passionate about issues with invasive species. A lot of that has to do with the research I’m doing currently at Bowie State, but the more I learn, the more frustrated I become. Many of the invasive species that are ravaging our ecosystems, not only in the Chesapeake, but worldwide were placed there as a result of ignorance and that moves me deeply. The type of work required to fix these mistakes is tough, messy and unpleasant, but that compels me to do it more. It’s righting a wrong of the past and I think the environment along with its inhabitants deserve that and much more.

Q: What’s your dream job?

A: I’m not sure if it has a specific title, but at the moment I would really like to be a wildlife conservationist that focuses primarily on invasive species! Honestly, this changes every year for me. I always keep my options open because I have many interests.

Q: What has been your favorite class so far during your time at Bowie State University?

A: Zoology! It got me invested in the environment and was super fun for me, especially because it introduced me to fieldwork; it was an awkward and messy first experience, but it definitely influenced the kind of work I want to do now.

Q: What class(es) are you most looking forward to this semester?

A: I’m most looking forward to continuing my Investigations course this semester, because it means I’m doing research, which is something I really love.

Welcome to the team, Alex. We’re so excited for you to join us!