Zachary Butler

Degree: Master of Science in Conservation Ecology & Sustainable Development

Thesis: Assessing the Ecological Roles of Nine-banded Armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) on Georgia's Barrier Islands

Awards

Environmental Policy Award - Odum School of Ecology, UGA – 2018

Grant-in-Aid of Research - American Society of Mammalogists – 2018

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Fund - American Museum of Natural History – 2018

Exploration Fund Grant - The Explorers Club – 2018

William C. Churchill Fund-Karl T. Fredrick Memorial Fund Grant - American Wildlife Conservation Foundation – 2017

John Spencer Fellowship - Odum School of Ecology, UGA – 2017

What has become your favorite quote?

Armadillos are stupid animals in many respects.

– F. W. Taber, 1945

What was your greatest epiphany in the last two years related to pursuing your degree?

Armadillos are a weird species of mammal, not a turtle.

What would be your ideal job in life?

To help conserve threatened wildlife and maintain healthy ecosystems so that future generations have the ability to experience the benefits of wildlife and wild spaces long after my lifetime.

Share advice you would give somebody entering graduate school:

Don’t be afraid of failure, just make sure you learn from it.

What are your immediate next steps (within the next few months)?

Moving to St. Croix for the summer to work with the Buck Island Sea Turtle Research Program.

Congratulations, Zach!

Dear Zach - Congratulations!! I have so much enjoyed getting to know you - and love the spirit and thoughtfulness you bring to your work. We are so lucky to have had you as part of the Odum School and the RBC. Please keep in touch as you embark on your next adventures. Best wishes!

Congratulations Zach, great job! 🙂

Congratulations, Zach! It has been an honor to serve as your advisor. It's also been a great learning opportunity for me-- thank you for introducing me to armadillos and sea turtles and LSSI. You have been a real asset to the mesolab and you will be missed. But I am very impressed with what you have accomplished and look forward to seeing what you do in the future.

"Incredible sense of style - Will miss the Plaid/stripes duo. THANK YOU for all of your help in the field with alligators ZB! And most of all, thank you for always making us laugh!"