29: A Student's Journey Through Science and the Wild - Hallie Cowan | Graduate Researcher

Hallie Cowan is a wildlife biologist, photographer, and science communicator pursuing her master’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology at Clemson University. Her research focuses on mercury contamination in South American caimans, studying how these crocodilians act as bioindicators for ecosystem health. She has conducted fieldwork in Suriname and the Peruvian Amazon with organizations like Fauna Forever, where she helped monitor reptiles, mammals, and birds. With hands-on experience in wildlife capture, sampling, and contaminant analysis, Hallie combines scientific research with visual storytelling. Originally from New Jersey and of Colombian-American heritage, she uses her platforms to promote understanding of reptiles, amphibians, and underwater life while advocating for greater diversity in conservation and academia.Follow Hallie's progression in her master's degree and more adventures @the_halligator on IG!