Teaching the Next Generation to Care for the Natural World

When Annalee Anderson ’24 arrived at Bradley as a first-year student, she was eager to explore both her academic interests and a new sense of independence. Growing up in Peoria, Bradley offered her the chance to experience her hometown in a completely different way.

“The idea of experiencing the city as an independent adult was exciting to me,” she said. “Living on campus and later renting a house with my best friend helped me grow, while still having access to a strong support system.”

She quickly found her place within Bradley’s biology and environmental science programs. Inspired by faculty mentors and drawn to the hands-on learning opportunities in Olin Hall’s research labs, Anderson joined Dr. Anant Deshwal’s field ecology research lab during her sophomore year—an experience that would shape her future.

“This had a major impact on me as a student,” Anderson said. “I was able to apply what I was learning in the classroom to real-world research.”

Her work focused on the common nighthawk, a threatened bird species in Illinois. Through this research, she gained valuable field experience, including bird banding, grant writing, and collaborating with fellow student researchers. She also presented her findings at scientific conferences, including the prestigious Student Conference on Conservation Science at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Outside the lab, Anderson was equally committed to making a difference. From her sophomore through senior years, she led the BU Clean Up Crew, a student organization dedicated to keeping Bradley’s campus and surrounding neighborhoods clean.

“We met weekly during the warmer months to pick up litter,” she said. “It felt good to be outside and directly contributing to a healthier environment.”

 

From Field Research to Field Training

She also worked with middle school students in Peoria Public Schools through the Horizons Club, helping them explore career pathways while teaching essential life skills such as goal setting, communication, and interviewing. That experience sparked her interest in education and helped prepare her for her career today.

Now at the Catamount Institute in Colorado Springs, Anderson develops and leads outdoor science education programs for K-12 students. Her work includes teaching summer camps, leading field trips, facilitating homeschool programs, and creating hands-on science curricula.

“Catamount Institute is an exciting place to work because every day is different,” she said. “I love being outside year-round and building relationships with students over time. Watching their growth and experiencing the changing seasons with them is incredibly rewarding.”

Her Bradley education continues to influence her work daily. “Because of my research experience at Bradley, I feel confident designing lessons and teaching students the scientific method through real-world experiments.”

For Anderson, environmental education is more than a career—it’s the perfect intersection of her passions.

“This field allows me to combine my love for science, conservation, and teaching,” she said. “Bradley helped me discover that path and gave me the skills and confidence to pursue it.”

For more conservation and sustainability, check out this video. To learn more about science at Bradley, request info here.

–Emily Potts