COSAM News Articles 2018 August Summer Graduation Marshal Learns About Conservation and Seeks to Find Sustainable Business Solutions

Summer Graduation Marshal Learns About Conservation and Seeks to Find Sustainable Business Solutions

Published: 08/02/2018

By: Maria Gebhardt

Natasha Lloyd, a native of New Zealand, wants to find more sustainable ways to streamline businesses while positively impacting the environment. She graduates with a bachelor’s degree in organismal biology and conservation and a minor in English maintaining a 3.7 GPA, and serves as the summer 2018 College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) Graduation Marshal. Through her rigorous studies at Auburn University, Lloyd has found her true calling in life.

Her favorite professor at COSAM was Dr. Robert Boyd for conservation biology. “Dr. Boyd’s endless passion helped me to decide to pursue a career in environmental sustainability that combines my desire for the environment with measurable results,” Lloyd says.

Growing up in New Zealand, Lloyd developed a genuine love for the environment. “In New Zealand, people truly care for the environment and are driven to protect it.” Appreciation for the environment even runs in her family, her sister works in environmental law.

Lloyd moved more than 8,000 miles to attend Auburn University from Ohoka, NZ. As a member of the swim team and captain during her senior year, she is a multiple All-American and a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Lloyd who intends to pursue her master’s degree in sustainable economics, received a NCAA Postgraduate scholarship and SEC Postgraduate scholarship. Before she continues her education, she will travel to Africa to conduct conservation work. First, she will be in Madagascar to tag turtles and research coral reefs, then she will continue to travel to South Africa to work with a variety of animals at protected reserves.

She is also a co-founder of Pups on the Plains with five other students from Auburn University. The non-profit organization has saved the lives 54 dogs and 18 cats since August 2017. Dogs that are marked to be euthanized at high-kill shelters are rescued by Pups on the Plains. They are then taken care of in foster homes until a forever home is found. The dedicated members of this non-profit work with local businesses, the council and organizations to promote, fundraise and save more lives.

Her advice to COSAM students who are interested in making a difference in safeguarding the environment, join organizations that can help you focus on what you really want to do. Lloyd was part of the Auburn Society of Conservation, and immediately found opportunities in networking and research that shaped her future.