Christi Kruse (she/her) is a trained ecologist with experience working with threatened and endangered species. She is completing the final year of her master’s degree in Integrative Biology at Oregon State University where her research focuses on the assembly and disassembly of aquatic invertebrate communities in temporary ponds. As an undergraduate student, Christi attended the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation where she began her career studying the impacts of white tail deer populations on vegetation in Mid-Atlantic forests. Since then, she has expanded her focus to include aquatic ecosystems, conducting research and management of endangered amphibians and desert fishes. She has also worked in education and outreach, tailoring ecology programs to students ranging from pre-K to undergraduate and developing activities and talks for public events. Christi identifies as a cis gendered white woman with invisible disabilities which gives her a unique perspective on privilege and ability. She aims to pursue a career protecting the integrity of native ecosystems while working to make the field more inclusive of people with varying abilities and engaging local communities in conservation.