Christina Contreras

I am a proud first-generation, bilingual Latina Urban Wildlife Biologist with a deep passion for conservation and protecting natural ecosystems. My journey began when I shifted from pursuing a nursing degree to wildlife management after an eye-opening experience as a field technician with the IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence Program at the College of Southern Idaho. Working with mosquitoes, the biting black fly, and the West Nile virus in Twin Falls County, I realized that conservation is a form of healthcare beyond the hospital setting.

This revelation led me to pursue a degree in Wildlife Management, with a minor in Rangeland Ecology at the University of Idaho, supported by the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse species, starting as a mosquito technician, progressing to research on the Idaho Ground Squirrel, and culminating in my work at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. There, I discovered my passion for the National Wildlife Refuge System, whose values align with my own.

After years of dedication, I achieved my dream role as an Urban Wildlife Biologist at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge under the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In this position, I immerse myself in community engagement, research species of special concern such as Western and Clark's Grebes, and lead land restoration projects while managing invasive species on the refuge.

Outside of my work, I serve as Vice President of The Wildlife Society's Idaho Chapter, where I help plan our annual conference in close collaboration with The Idaho Fish and Game. In my spare time, I volunteer at the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, integrating Lepidoptera specimens into their entomology collection.

When I'm not working or volunteering, I enjoy making pottery, spending time with family and friends, traveling all over the country, and exploring new restaurants throughout the Treasure Valley.