Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) is proud to announce the 25 members of the 2026–2027 Edgar Veillon Conservation Leadership Corps (EV-CLC). Representing 11 colleges and universities across Louisiana, these undergraduate students make up the program’s eighth annual cohort. Together they bring a wide range of academic backgrounds, from biology and forestry to landscape architecture and pre-veterinary, reflecting the many disciplines that contribute to conservation in Louisiana.
Over the coming months, participants will learn alongside professionals and volunteers through in-depth field experiences, interactions with conservation leaders, and discussions centered on Louisiana’s most pressing conservation challenges. The program emphasizes not only understanding natural resource management, but also developing the leadership, communication, and advocacy skills needed to become effective voices for conservation in our state.
Since its founding in 2018, the Edgar Veillon Conservation Leadership Corps has helped launch careers, build lasting professional relationships, and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. Here’s what some of our alumni have said about their experiences:
Kaitlyn Thomas, an alumni of the 6th cohort said:
“Being in EV-CLC kickstarted my career in conservation and environmental science. The opportunities I received through the program—from internships to professional connections to a refreshed love for my field—have continued to impact me well beyond my time in the cohort. You never know where a new experience will lead you.”
Hannah Grey, of the same 2024 cohort shared:
“Getting to network with individuals in the conservation field was incredibly meaningful as a college student. The program introduced me to career opportunities I hadn’t considered and connected me with professionals and fellow students who continue to inspire me.”
This year’s cohort will conclude their experience by participating in Louisiana Wildlife Federation’s Annual Convention, where the students will learn and witness firsthand how conservation policy is debated, shaped, and adopted.
Presenting the 2026–2027 Edgar Veillon Conservation Leadership Corps:
- Darby Ballard- Centenary College of Louisiana (Biology)
- Evelyn Bamburg- University of Louisiana Monroe (Biology)
- Destiny Boudreau- Central Louisiana Technical Community College (Forestry)
- Claire Bryant- University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Geology)
- Caroline Carter- Louisiana State University (Natural Resource Ecology and Management)
- Macy Cason- University of Louisiana Monroe Biology (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology)
- Abigail Chiasson- Nicholls State University (Marine Biology & Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
- Adrianna Dubois- Nicholls State University Biology (Environmental Sciences)
- Krystal Fernandes- Loyola University New Orleans (Biology)
- Meagan Hill- Louisiana State University Animal Sciences (Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
- Darice Johnson- McNeese State University (Agricultural Business)
- Sienna Mersinger- Louisiana State University (Natural Resource Ecology and Management)
- Yulin Mo- Louisiana State University (Landscape Architecture)
- Myles Moore- Southern University and A&M College (Animal Science)
- Amira Morales- University of Louisiana Monroe Biology (Pre-Med)
- Logan Reese- Louisiana State University Coastal & Environmental Science (Applied Coastal & Environmental Science)
- Rachel Rodrigue- Southeastern Louisiana University Integrative Biology (Pre-Veterinary Medicine)
- Raegan Rose- Centenary College of Louisiana (Geology)
- A Ryan- Louisiana State University (Environmental Science)
- Noah Schiff- Louisiana State University (Geography)
- Dani Thibodeaux- Nicholls State University (Marine Biology)
- Justin Trochez- University of New Orleans (Earth & Environmental Sciences)
- Monyale West- Southern University and A&M College (Agricultural Sciences)
- Asia Williams- Southern University and A&M College (Agricultural Sciences)
- Danny Woods- Nicholls State University (Marine Biology)
“LWF is proud to invest in students who are passionate about Louisiana’s wildlife and environment and eager to make a difference,” said LWF Executive Director Rebecca Triche. “By connecting students with others who work to advance conservation and providing opportunities to learn through experience, EV-CLC helps prepare the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of conservation in our state.”
The Edgar Veillon Conservation Leadership Corps is made possible through the generosity of the Mzuri Wildlife Foundation, whose support helps prepare Louisiana’s next generation of conservation leaders.
Interested in joining a future cohort? Applications for the 2027–2028 Edgar Veillon Conservation Leadership Corps will open in Spring 2027.