Elyse LaVallee

Elyse LaVallee is a second-year at the University of Arizona majoring in Veterinary Science with a minor in Spanish, and she is a member of the WA Franke Honors College. Elyse was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and has been passionate about the outdoors her whole life. She grew up hiking, camping, and exploring National Parks with her family, as well as competitive swimming and playing Clarinet. The heart of her passion is dedicated to birds, as she loves to go birdwatching and photograph them. Elyse intends to be involved in the conservation and rehabilitation of Arizona birds/raptors and other wildlife throughout her hopeful future career as a veterinarian. She has taken multiple classes at the U of A involving sustainability, animal science, environmental ethics, and a “Sense of Place” course that sparked her specific passion for the Sonoran Desert and Tucson. Elyse is involved with clubs on campus including Navigators Christian Ministry, U of A Fish and Wildlife Society, and AZ Club Swim. This past summer, Elyse studied abroad in Costa Rica with the U of A to learn Spanish and observe tropical birds in her free time. She hopes to return there and aid in wildlife conservation. Elyse also enjoys creating art that aims to inspire curiosity and passion about birds. She also participates in activities hosted by the Tucson Audubon Society. Her beloved cockatiel Pico is her biggest supporter.