Hi! My name is Katie Kolcun, and I’m a recent graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis with a BS in Environmental Science. I’ve always had a fascination with wildlife, particularly reptiles and amphibians, but never had much exposure to marine biology growing up in a landlocked state. When I moved to Washington I fell in love with the coast and worked a seasonal position with the Department of Ecology electrofishing for salmonids. I then found my way to the West Coast CRC photo ID project where I get to learn about a new group of animals-cetaceans! I look forward to gaining experience in marine conservation here at Cascadia and meeting like-minded people.
In my free time I like to go hiking with my partner, spend time with friends, and manage my personal collection of reptiles and amphibians at home. I also have a venomous snake handling certificate and experience working with a range of different exotic animals, from bats to alligators.
Fall 2021