Master of Science in Raptor Biology student Solai Le Fay was selected as a PLACE scholar for summer 2025 through the Boise State University Andrus Center for Public Policy thanks to an Innovations in Graduate Education grant from the National Science Foundation.
The PLACE Scholars Graduate Internship Program awards support master’s degree students who want to work in environmental management careers. The program involves working directly with a community on a chosen environmental issue. Le Fay plans to work alongside the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation on issues relating invasive vegetation and climate change to Burrowing Owls in Oregon.
With the awarded $12,000 in financial support, Le Fay will have the opportunity to deepen her knowledge around the environmental issues, expand her professional networks, and learn how the confederated tribes are working to meet the environmental issues’ demands. Le Fay’s research is also possible with the help of Raptor Research Center equipment.