amie wuchter
Student Researcher – Anjanaharibe-Sud
Amie is a master’s student studying Social Research and Analysis at Montclair State University in New Jersey. In July 2024, Amie will be conducting her first-ever field research project in Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve, where she will use road surveys to learn more about the people passing through the reserve. Amie is particularly interested in the role humans play in conservation decisions and the impacts those decisions have on them.
Amie is relatively new to the field of social research and conservation, having completed her undergraduate degree in Visual Arts and Education at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Although Amie works as an art teacher, she will always primarily see herself as a student, eager to learn more about the world around her. She is excited to apply both the skills she’s learned so far as a sociologist and as an artist to think creatively about both the natural and social world.
Q&A with Amie
What draws you to a career in wildlife conservation?
I’ve always had a deep love for the natural world. When I was younger, I would create picture books filled with drawings of wild animals. With that being said, finding my way to wildlife conservation has been quite the journey! My undergraduate degree is in visual arts, and I’m currently working as an art teacher. My own art practice has always been centered around social and environmental justice. I quickly realized that research is another way to use the skills I’ve honed as an artist, such as looking closely at the world around me and thinking creatively. I’m excited to apply these skills as I embark on my journey in the world of wildlife conservation.
What is one of the most memorable experiences in your career so far?
This will be my first time traveling for work, so I don’t have any crazy adventures to share just yet. As an elementary art teacher, I’d have to say one of the coolest experiences I’ve had was when I brought my students out to the orchards next to my school to sketch the fig trees. I encouraged my students to pick and eat the figs that were growing. Because I teach in a low-income district where there are not many opportunities to interact with the natural world, this experience was very novel for many of my students. Getting to see the curiosity and joy that this experience brought them was probably one of the most fulfilling moments of my teaching career so far.
Who or what inspires you?
This might sound cheesy, but my dad was one of the primary people in my life to foster my desire to learn more about the world around me. Even before I could read, I remember looking through his extensive National Geographic collection, soaking in the images of people, animals, and natural landscapes. At night, instead of bedtime stories, I would have him talk to me about whatever topic most interested me at the time, from blood to the ocean floor to outer space.
Is there a book that has influenced you or made a strong impression?
This question is particularly difficult! I’m a huge fan of fantasy books and the idea of escaping into intricately woven worlds filled with magic, but one of the books that has influenced me the most is probably The Tao of Pooh. It uses the characters of A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh to share the central messages of Taoism, such as an appreciation for what life has to offer.
What is your favorite food?
I absolutely love ice cream! My favorite flavors are either matcha or ube (a type of purple sweet potato).
What is your favorite movie?
As a visual artist, most of my favorite films are animated. I especially love movies from Studio Ghibli! Hayao Miyazaki is a brilliant director; My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Princess Mononoke (1997) are two of my favorites; both emphasize a connection with and respect for nature.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?
I have quite an extensive list of places I hope to visit one day, but I also often find myself hoping to go back to places I’ve been to before. I had the pleasure of visiting Lebanon recently for a wedding, and it was one of the most beautiful, friendliest places I’ve been. From the natural landscapes (the Jeita Grotto is truly breathtaking), to ancient historic sites (the Baalbek ruins rival those in Greece or Rome), to the incredible food (fattoush and knafeh are incredible), Lebanon is a country that I hope more people have the opportunity to experience.
Besides lemurs, what is one of your favorite animals, and why?
Having grown up by the beach, I’d have to go with dolphins. One of my most memorable experiences was while body surfing, when I noticed a pod of dolphins riding the same waves!
Why do you care about Madagascar and its wildlife?
Madagascar features some of the world’s most diverse wildlife, with many species that can’t be found anywhere else. The wellbeing of the wildlife in Madagascar is also tied in with the wellbeing of the people living there. Finding ways to support the ecosystem in a way that benefits all life on the island is crucial.