The University of Findlay - Tonya Kieffer ’06

Class of 2006, Biology Major

Traveling almost anywhere she can take her binoculars, Tonya Kieffer has journeyed all over the United States to enjoy her hobby – bird watching. Though she has primarily seen birds in the Northwest Ohio and Lake Erie area, she would love to travel to bird watch.
Tonya Keiffer

A senior biology major with a wildlife management and life science emphasis, Tonya attributes part of her devotion to the outdoors to her time at UF. “My mentor at UF sparked my interest with one-on-one interaction with the birds, mist netting and identification,” Tonya reflected.

Tonya first became interested in wildlife while growing up in a small town in Arkansas. Once she came to UF, her interest grew. She has been an active member of the Wilderness Club for four years, giving her many opportunities to watch birds in the surrounding area and states.

Tonya says she is captivated by birds. “It’s so amazing to me how many different kinds of species there are worldwide, and I love being able to identify them. It is such a thrill to add another bird to the ‘life list’ of birds I’ve seen. Someday I may be responsible for making sure one bird is saved from becoming endangered or going extinct, just from my being aware and bird watching.”

Aside from watching birds and spending time outdoors, Tonya also has other interests. She has also been in the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority, Pre-Vet Club and Habitat for Humanity.

This summer Tonya is working as an intern with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, under the fisheries biologist. She then plans to attend cadet academy to become a wildlife officer.

“I hope as an adult, I’ll be able to make a difference in our earth’s future, especially when it comes to wildlife,” Tonya said.