Hermary Gonzales

What is your major? Wildlife ecology with an environmental studies certificate

Expected graduation: December 2024

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? My passion for the environment and biodiversity was sparked by my upbringing in Hawai’i. Throughout school, I learned about the endemic species that Hawai’i is home to but also the invasive species that are impacting the ecosystem. I also learned how much culture and biodiversity are intertwined after learning about how much folklore in both Hawaiian culture and Filipino culture, my background, is connected to local species. My goal is to conduct conservation work and research that aid the viability of endemic populations while also emphasizing the importance of culture and community.