Mentor: Marianne Davenport

Bio: Anna Zerkle, a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and animal ecology, is currently in her final year of the Environmental Science program at the Community College of Denver. With a deep-rooted love for animals and nature cultivated in the scenic landscapes of Los Alamos, New Mexico, Anna found inspiration from her upbringing in a family of scientists. Surrounded by the innovative environment of Los Alamos National Laboratory, where both her father and sister work, Anna developed a strong affinity for scientific inquiry and a keen interest in understanding and preserving the natural world. From a young age, she immersed herself in the beauty of nature, fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.

Driven by a desire to combat the pressing challenges posed by the climate crisis, Anna Zerkle is dedicated to pursuing a higher education, aiming to transfer to a four-year university to further their studies in environmental science and eventually pursue a graduate degree. Beyond her academic pursuits, Anna possesses a remarkable proficiency in mathematics, a skill she plans to utilize to analyze complex environmental data and contribute meaningfully to scientific research. Anna’s unwavering work ethic and determination underscore her commitment to achieving her goals. With a firm belief in the interconnectedness of all life forms, Anna is driven by a sense of purpose to safeguard the planet and its inhabitants for future generations.

View Anna's elevator speech [Youtube]

View Anna's RECCS 2024 presentation [Youtube]

View Anna's poster [PDF]