Daniel Wilcox has always had an innate curiosity about how the world works and how natural systems work together. He grew up in Forney, Texas, hunting and fishing, and was also involved in FFA and agricultural-related pursuits all through high school.

Zoe Carroll has been influenced to pursue a wildlife-related career for her entire life. “My family did several cross-country camping trips when I was little, and we visited national parks across the United States,” said Carroll. “My mom loved to birdwatch and we enjoyed being outdoors and seeing all of ... Read More

Jose Etchart’s parents came to the United States from their native Chihuahua, Mexico, for the same reason that has drawn immigrants to America for centuries. “They were looking for a better future, for themselves and their family,” said Etchart. “Just trying to find the American dream.”

By the time Cullom Simpson was in middle school he knew exactly what he wanted to do when he grew up. “When I first met him, he was just a kid,” recalled retired Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologist Rufus Stephens. “I had never met somebody at that age ... Read More

Josh Coward grew up in the small central Texas town of Harper, near Fredericksburg. His upbringing was a little more unusual than that of his Hill Country neighbors...