My name is Maranda and I’m a wildlife biologist, science communicator, and conservation photographer.
I have a Master of Science degree in the human dimensions of natural resources, and a Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management. I’m based out of southern Minnesota, but field work has taken me all over the country. For example, I’ve surveyed and protected piping plover nesting habitat and hatchling chicks in South Dakota, restored native California riparian habitat, studied native Minnesota prairie plant diversity, captured alligators for GPS and radio transmitter attachments in Georgia, and assisted with sea turtle and other coastal animal husbandry and rehabilitation.
My photographic skills and passion for photography grew during these experiences, and I came to realize that photography can be a powerful force for creating conservation awareness. I’ve partnered with environmental organizations, conservation biologists, agri– and eco-tourism businesses, and cultural groups to provide impactful, educational, and inspirational photography. My photos have been published in magazines, professional presentations, project reports, and fundraising campaigns and have won various awards.
If you’re interested in learning more about my professional background, visit my LinkedIn page:
www.linkedin.com/in/maranda-miller-humanelement.
My ultimate goal is to protect our world’s natural resources by encouraging each person to adopt a conservation and environmental stewardship mindset. This means they value and care about our natural world, and choose behaviors that respect and protect those things.
I’m always working towards that goal by helping people experience, understand, appreciate, and protect our natural world. I use one-on-one informal chats, formal educational presentations, and my photography, which I often pair with educational messages. I also love to help people have interactive nature experiences. For example, I’ve educated people about safely interacting with and understanding exotic butterfly species, engaged visitors in sea turtle releases and behind-the-scenes tours at a sea turtle rehabilitation hospital, and recruited and trained volunteers to help with citizen science events like beach clean-ups and monarch butterfly migration research.
Balancing my interests has led to some unique situations. One of the most memorable experiences was when I jumped on an alligator to help secure the animal for data collection, while holding my camera in the other hand and recording the event to educate the public about alligator conservation efforts. That’s one heck of a way to literally balance my interests, but I love the unique opportunities each facet of my career presents and wouldn’t want it any other way!
Now that you know a few things about me, please check out the rest of my site to see how my passions for nature, photography, and people-focused conservation initiatives come together.
If you have questions or are interested in working with me, please contact me here.
–Maranda Miller