Only I can roll through Yale looking like a hobo with no shame. Sadly I could not get to my accommodation before the seminar I was attending at the Business School and when I tried to check it in at the Greyhound they wouldn’t let me and nearby another lady, they lost her bag somehow. So I thought being a nomad traveller at the seminar was better than having my prized mayple syrup lost! To be fair although I did get stared at a bit at first my ‘look’ was a great way to laugh and introduce myself to people. Telling them about my scholarship and the fact I have been travelling across the U.S.A. I also made some new contacts either people studying here but also some have family members working in conservation. So virtual meet ups with more projects here I come!

The symposium I was attending was the Economic Development Symposium, with this one focusing on Resiliency in International Development amidst a Changing Global Political Environment. The keynote speaker was Kaushik Basu (former Chief Economist at the World Bank). Global development issues such as climate change, migration and urbanization are becoming ever more pressing. Symposium was discussing emerging issues in international development and how to tackle challenges through new innovative initiatives, discussions on role of philanthropy, the private sector and private financing mechanisms. I also attended a workshop on the role of private companies in economic development and ways to go beyond traditional CSR initiatives. There was a dinner after the talks and workshops so I was able to hear from students, professors and professionals attending.

The next day I met with Professor Clark’ and got to sit in on a day of lessons at the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale. Clarks primary goal in her research and teaching is to improve conservation of species and ecosystems at scientific, organizational, and policy levels. She has conducted field ecological and behavioural research on thirty-five mammals and other species, including the re introduction of wolves at Yellowstone NP! She is interested in natural resource policy and management and has conducted research and applied projects in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to develop management policies . Her work involves building case studies, evaluating policies and programs, helping organizations to incorporate reliable science into management, and in Australia she has even evaluated endangered species policy (most recently for koalas). I am very thankfully for her not only meeting me but also letting me sit in on a day of lessons here at Yale!