Lameace Hussain, PhD Candidate

I've always been fascinated by how people's attitudes, cultures, perceptions, fears, and admiration shape their interactions with different species and the world around them. With a diverse background—one half of my family from rural Kentucky and the other from Baghdad, Iraq—I’ve seen firsthand how cultural views of animals, like snakes and certain fish, vary widely.

During my years as a herpetologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, my projects focused on small, scaly, and slimy creatures. However, interacting with people was one of my favorite parts of the job. It was exciting to see how someone's perception of a species could change through outreach and educational materials.

In Florida, the introduction of new species elicits both excitement and disdain. The human dimensions of conservation, especially in managing invasive species, are crucial. By understanding people's concerns and perceptions, we can develop better management strategies and create more effective informational outreach tailored to their needs. 

Link for survey:
https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bgb7FhPnj8PG98O