Hi everyone!

My name is Melissa Robbins and I’m a junior at the University of Nevada-Reno where I major in Environmental Science with minors in ecohydrology and wildlife. Most of my studies and the work I do focuses on freshwater management, ecology, and conservation. However, I wish there where more marine science classes as that’s what I really want to study! They’re hard to come by here in the desert though. I don’t have an exact plan of what I’ll be researching in Russia quite yet, but I hope to focus on fish movement with a possible invasive species aspect.

I’ve never been out of the country before. The longest plane ride I’ve ever been on was Nevada to Texas, so this whole experience will be new and exciting! I’m expecting jet lag and maybe even being a little overwhelmed by new countries and people, but I really can’t wait for the experience and the opportunity to go out in the field and work!

In my free time I love to swim (although I’m not sure I’ll get to do that in Russia! Cold water!!), sit and socialize with people, or trek in the outdoors, so I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and starting this adventure!