Alumni Spotlight

Matt Snider - Letters from South Africa

Matt Snider is a May 2009 graduate of our ANSC Science/Professional option. He hails from Middlebury, VT. Going into college, Matt's plans were to attend vet school after graduation, but a combination of internships and experiences eventually steered him toward conservation rather than veterinary studies. While an undergrad here, Matt worked as a Zookeeper Aide at the National Zoo's Asia Trail and then also subsequently work as a paid intern in the National Zoo's nutrition lab. Matt was very active in student organizations during his time here, including; being an AGNR Student Ambassador, a member of the Animal Husbandry Club and a Highriser Council member. Matt is now working as a Research Intern for Global Visions International and is a member of their staff at Karongwe Game Reserve in South Africa.

Click on the links below to read Matt's letters from South Africa.

• Part I - Click to Read
• Part II - Click to Read
• Part III - Click to Read
• Part IV - Click to Read
• Part V - Click to Read

Some Photos from Matt

Above: Matt Snider shooting video of a pride of Lions to determine order of eating and how it relates to the pride heirarchy (left). Matt uses a Radio Telemetry Arial to find focus animals, which are fitted with radio collars that send a signal to the telemetry unit depending on proximity (right). Below: Matt seen with one of the focus Cheetahs, Savannah, and her cubs in the background.