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INTRODUCTION

Carena van Riper hails from the southwestern US. She grew up on a ranch outside of Flagstaff, AZ with her mother, father, two older sisters, and older brother. For eight years, their family was was deeply involved with a 4-H program and participated in livestock judging, showing horses, sheep, cattle, swine, and rabbits. This non-profit leadership organization helped to shape her value system by providing opportunities for community service, outdoor orientation, and leadership training. From such experiences, Carena developed an affinity for the outdoors and natural resources management.

Carena's family also played an integral role in the development of her professional interests. Both of Carena's parents are ornithologists, who shared lessons and experiences with their family through research in parks and protected areas, professional involvement in wildlife disease organizations, and appreciation of outdoor recreation activities. Outside of academia, Carena enjoys snowboarding, distance running, and spending time in the outdoors.