Cristina Macklem’s M.S. research focused on wildlife, primarily amphibian, responses to anthropogenic alterations of the environment. Cristina pursued and obtained funding throughout her academic career and completed her first research project as a freshman. Cristina was selected as a University Scholar, received the Holster Freshman Research Award and was dual enrolled as an Honors undergraduate and graduate student. Cristina completed her undergraduate degree with honors and research thesis in May 2016 and defended her Master’s in the spring of 2017. Cristina participates in initiatives related to STEM, women in science and climate change. She served as a mentor in UConn’s Women in STEM Mentorship Program. Cristina represented UConn at COP21 in Paris, where she experienced the process of climate policy creation. Cristina’s research interests in wildlife and exurban ecosystems will be valuable to society’s growth.