Caidy Hesting

What are your majors? Zoology and conservation biology with a certificate in environmental studies

Expected graduation: May 2027

What inspired your interest in the environment and/or community? I’ve always loved animals, which led me to spend a lot of time visiting and volunteering at the Fort Wayne Zoo, near my hometown. One of their main goals is to educate their guests about animal conservation and encourage them to get involved. After hearing stories of how so many people have made a real difference by changing small aspects of their lives, it inspired me to create a butterfly garden in my backyard.

I soon realized that I enjoyed learning about pollinators and wanted to share my passion with those in my community. To accomplish this, I worked with a private school in my area to build a monarch butterfly waystation. This project helped their students create a suitable habitat for butterflies, supported their science curriculum, and introduced them to the importance of conservation.

I believe everyone has a role to play in taking care of our planet, and I enjoy inspiring others to do so.