Veteran Scientist Spotlight: Lougenne Santos Nieves
One of S2S’s new friends is Lougenne Santos Nieves, a veteran with a passion for conservation. In this inspiring message, Lougenne describes how important working with wildlife has been on her journey. As she describes her experiences, she conveys how her military experience helped shape her efforts as a scientist. Her powerful insights can inspire other veterans to investigate wildlife conservation as an exciting hobby or a meaningful career path. We are grateful for her willingness to share her story!
“My profound passion for animal well-being and wildlife conservation isn't just a career path; it's a lifelong calling ignited in childhood, forged through resilience and unwavering determination. Growing up in the projects of Puerto Rico, where financial and social challenges were a daily reality, I quickly learned to make the best with what I had. Our family's dependence on food stamps and my grandparents' immense generosity fueled a deep appreciation for every opportunity. I remember being captivated by every animal rescue, conservation and cartoon show on television, developing a deep respect and reverence for these strong, spiritual creatures. I always believed that these amazing wild animals were crucial for the world and I wanted for our future generations to be able to see them. The idea that we could assist them, that I could be part of a conservation crew, tranquilizing an elephant or cheetah to place trackers, running my hand down their fur, always amazed by the wild beauty before me—these were the daydreams that filled my drawings and homework. My imagination soared, and I'd often play with our chickens, pretending they were magnificent falcons or enormous parrots, as I, an explorer or educator, shared their capabilities with an imaginary audience. This early fascination naturally led me to aspire to be an "animal doctor," a veterinarian, a role I proudly embraced on Profession Day, complete with a white coat, blue scrubs, my stuffed Lady, a first aid kit, and even a live lovebird in a cage—a bold statement for the coolest kid in class.
This foundational passion, nurtured from a young age, has guided my unique blend of experiences. My academic rigor, rooted in a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Animal Science & Pre-Veterinarian Medicine from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez, laid the groundwork for compassionate animal care. My journey through higher education has been a testament to my resolve; I strategically leveraged federal aid and earned a scholarship through my dedication to the Varsity Olympic Weightlifting team to fund my undergraduate degree. Recognizing the need to continue my education, and with no immediate financial means, I made the deliberate decision to join the United States Air Force right after graduation. This strategic move allowed me to earn invaluable education benefits, which I am now proudly utilizing to pursue my Master of Science in Wildlife Conservation Medicine and Forensic Sciences from the University of Florida. My five years of disciplined service in the Air Force as an Advanced Aircraft Structures Technician, Program Manager and Budget Analyst, further cultivated exceptional leadership, meticulous problem-solving, and strategic organizational skills, leading teams and managing significant resources to achieve critical objectives. These experiences instilled in me a unique ability to approach challenges with precision, adaptability, and unwavering commitment.
My true calling shines in the realm of wildlife rehabilitation. While I initially envisioned myself working with a broad range of large animals like big cats or other formidable birds, the more deeply involved I became with wildlife, especially raptors, the clearer my path became. It was through this hands-on engagement that I realized my profound calling: to dedicate my life to healing these magnificent creatures back to vitality, and to share their stories and capabilities through education and storytelling for the rest of my life. As a Raptor Rehabilitation Intern, an invaluable opportunity I've been fortunate to pursue through the DoD SkillBridge program at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, I've immersed myself in the critical care of injured raptors. I am profoundly grateful for this chance to apply my military discipline and analytical skills to a field I deeply love, and I have taken every advantage to maximize my learning and contributions. My work has involved conducting detailed behavioral assessments, orchestrating complex flight training, and performing specialized procedures such as tail imping. I am highly skilled in administering life-saving medical treatments through gavages and food impregnation, and providing weekly vitaminic supplementation to both ambassador and as-needed for rehabilitation birds, and adept at meal prepping according to veterinary and diet restrictions for both ambassador and rehabilitation birds, with critical management of infant feeding to avoid imprinting. I meticulously created and maintained records of our ambassadors' eating patterns to observe any abnormal changes, ensuring their well-being. My responsibilities extended to ensuring enclosure security for both animals and humans, safeguarding against predators and health hazards, and guaranteeing that perches, water pans, and hutches met the highest standards to prevent common injuries. I conducted general maintenance monthly and briefly when manned on glove and am highly experienced in crate carrier transfer and automobile travel for safe avian transport. My proactive approach to animal welfare, including preventative measures for conditions like bumblefoot, underscores my dedication to the highest standards of care. I've had the privilege of working closely with a diverse range of raptor species, including Barred owls, Great Horned owls, Red-tailed hawks, and Turkey Vultures, tailoring their care to their specific needs.
Beyond direct rehabilitation, my experience extends to fostering public appreciation for wildlife. My volunteer work at Lakeside Nature Center in Kansas City, Missouri, further broadened my expertise, where I provided hands-on care for a wide array of Missouri native wildlife, including terrapins, snapping turtles, various small mammals (possoms, raccoons, squirrels, moles, rabbits), diverse reptiles (vipers, snakes), and fish. This included meticulous meal preparation, diligent enclosure cleaning, and administering medications as required. I also continued my specialized meal prepping for raptors based on specific dietary needs. As a public-facing representative, I confidently answered general public questions about our animal exhibits, nature trails, activities, and the facility, inspiring a deeper understanding of coexistence and conservation. I have also actively trained volunteers, sharing my knowledge and best practices to ensure consistent, high-quality animal care and public engagement. I am a natural storyteller and public speaker, with a personable and charismatic presence that allows me to connect deeply with audiences. Active listening is key to my approach, ensuring I truly understand and engage with those I educate. When confident in the topics at hand, I shine. My work ethic is defined by discipline, prioritizing tasks to ensure daily responsibilities are met with precision. I am highly adaptable, thriving amidst unexpected challenges and showcasing creativity in problem-solving, all while maintaining patience and a calm demeanor. While stress is a reality in demanding environments, my strong sense of self-awareness allows me to navigate pressure responsibly. This resilience is further bolstered by my passion for weightlifting and strength training, which serves as a vital stress reliever and has evolved into a deep commitment to bodybuilding, contributing significantly to my mental well-being and focus.
My unique journey, marked by resilience and strategic decision-making, has instilled in me a profound conviction that with dedication and innovative approaches, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges in protecting our planet's biodiversity.” - Lougenne Santos Nieves
