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Raptor Biology Student LeFay Awarded 2025 NSF-funded Internship to Work with Tribes

Solai Le Fay holding an adult burrowing owl on flat lands
Solai Le Fay holding an adult Burrowing Owl at her study site in Oregon, immediately post-banding and pre-release

Master of Science in Raptor Biology student Solai LeFay was selected as a PLACE scholar for Summer 2025 through the Boise State University Andrus Center for Public Policy thanks to a National Science Foundation – Innovations in Graduate Education grant.

The PLACE Scholars Graduate Internship Program awards are aimed at helping masters students who want to work in environmental management careers. The program involves working directly with a community on a chosen environmental issue, of which 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 Boise State University Raptor Research Center equipment.