About
Sharon Dorsey
Student. Educator. Activist.
As a native of Baltimore, MD, I've been intrigued by animals and nature since childhood. I now love highlighting nature's beauty and function, especially in my hometown. The Greater Baltimore area's natural landscape encompasses lush forests, flowing streams, and lots of parks. However, even in its urban areas you can get some pretty good bird watching in!
I am currently a Masters student at in the Department of Fish & Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech and a proud member of the Virginia Tech Shorebird Program. My graduate research involves researching nesting behavior of the endangered piping plover. You can read more about this project and my other research with the link below.
One common thread in my work is to always centers the voices of people of color who have historically been excluded from the natural resources and outdoor recreation fields. In the beginning of my career journey, I had challenges fostering my passion in an environment that lacked visible Black leaders in the natural resources fields. Since college, however, I have found mentors, peers, and a support network of people from diverse backgrounds that helped me claim my space in the natural resources field. My work now seeks to empower people of color to pursue careers and hobbies related to the environment - and if possible share their stories to inspire someone else!
Educational Background
2020 - Present
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Department of Fish & Wildlife Conservation
M.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
2014 - 2018
George Mason University
Department of Environmental Science & Policy
Ahn Wetland Ecosystems Lab & Studio
B. S. Environmental Science
Selected Fellowships, Grants, & Awards
2023
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Directorate Resource Assistant Fellow
Virginia Tech Graduate School Diversity Scholar
Minorites in Agriculture, Natural Resources, & Related Sciences Gold Scholar
2022
Southeast Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Minorities in Natural Resources Conservation Scholar
2021
Virginia Dept. of Wildlife Resources Virginia Wildlife Grant Recipient
2018
George Mason University Provost Scholar Athlete
Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society Member
2017
George Mason University Undergraduate Research Scholar