Born and raised in Houston, Claire is senior at Yale University majoring in Environmental Studies. She focuses on issues of biodiversity conservation.

During her time at Yale, she has studied and performed molecular analyses in evolutionary biology research labs. Past projects include the Galapagos Tortoise Conservation Genetics project in The Caccone Lab, in which selective breeding aims to rescue two lineages from extinction, and phylogenetics work on the evolutionary history of the Stripetail Darter fish in The Near Lab.

Her current project with Professor Thomas Near addresses the evolutionary history of the Snail Darter made famous by the landmark conservation case TVA vs. Hill in the 1970’s. Along with executing genetic analysis in the lab, Claire is investigating policy and advocacy of endangered species. In particular: how do environmental advocacy groups incorporate scientific discovery and descriptions of biodiversity into their campaigns?

Outside of academics, Claire sings in the Yale Women’s Slavic Choir, volunteers at New Haven Reads, and experiments with bread baking.

Claire is excited to work with CEC over the summer and looks forward to meeting with local environmental advocacy groups.