Student spotlight: Maddy Yazzie

Maddy Yazzie, a natural resources technician program student, comes from the Northern White Mountains in Arizona and has lived in Salmon, Idaho. She discovered Prince William Sound College through a family member.

"Moving from Arizona to Alaska was a significant change, especially since I was unsure about my career path. I enrolled in the OEC in Marine Natural Resource Technician program last semester, which was both enjoyable and inspiring, deepening my interest in environmental science.

After earning my certification, I applied for the OEC in Natural Resources Technician program. I am now focusing on terrestrial ecology, particularly avian species. A key part of my studies is my research project, which compares man-made structures to natural environments. I will examine the shoreline at Dock Point in Valdez, looking at organism counts between the natural shoreline and a nearby jetty."

Maddy's research examines the differences between man-made structures, like jetties, and naturally occurring environments, which is crucial for understanding how human interventions impact marine ecosystems. Comparing the organism count at Dock Point in Valdez, Alaska can reveal insights into biodiversity, habitat quality, and ecological resilience. Maddy's findings could offer valuable data for managing marine environments sustainably.