Danielle Lee, MS Thesis in Dr. Michael Ferkins Lab, now a Ph.D Candidate
at The University of Missouri-St. Louis presented her dissertation, titled "Individual differences in exploratory behavior of praire voles, Microtus ochrogaster" a symposium on animal personality at the 31st Annual International Ethological Conference in Rennes, France.  She also presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Institute of Biological Sciences.  A recipient of the 2009 Diversity Scholars Program at the American Institute of Biological Sciences her research awards include grants and fellowships from NSF (Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant), American Society of Mammalogists, Sigma Xi, and the TWA Scholarship for Environmental Science. Her career interests include pursuing an academic career that emphasizes science outreach.  As an active member of the Animal Behavior Society including the Education and Diversity Committee,  a Junior Board Member of SCOPE Missouri, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Missouri Ms. Lee focuses on the participation of under-served audiences in the sciences.  The author of a science and nature blog geared to inner-city young people about urban ecology and environmental science her blog was recently named the 2009 Black Weblog Award Winner-Best Science and Technology Blog.  She also is guest author for articles about science and environmental advocacy participation in "The St. Louis American" newspaper, the Young Black Professional Guide, and Everyday Citizen.