Johnelle Erika Casauay, or also known as Johnelle, from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, is one of our interns here at the UPLB – Museum of Natural History. She is an incoming fourth year biology student majoring in Animal Biology. She served her time here in the museum circling around the Rabor Wildlife Collection, Wet Collection, and Entomological Museum.

As an aspiring wildlife biologist, the museum served as her training ground in order to polish her skills in field work, and at the same time, help her in her thesis. For her 250-hours internship, Johnelle was exposed to our collection of specimens such as small mammals, birds, and insects.

Through the help of our museum administrative staffs and curators, Johnelle has experienced actual face-to-face field work, identification of various species from Phylum Chordata such as bats, frogs, rats, birds, and other marine species. She also experienced hiking at the Mt. Makiling and bird watching, which is important for young biologist who’ll pursue wildlife studies.

Johnelle has expressed her gratitude to all the staff and personnel for helping her strengthen her skills and knowledge which she can use for her future journey as a young animal biologist. She was also inspired to move forward with her newly found skills and to hone her abilities in the field.

Johnelle loves to watch animal documentaries and was inspired to be the protector of the wild through Steve Irwin. Aside from that, Johnelle also loves to explore the world. With her promising abilities, perseverance, and love for animals, she’ll be able to explore the world and discover more of our wildlife, which she loves the most. All the academics aside, Johnelle loves to listen to KPOP music, and supporting her favorite KPOP groups Kep1er and LOONA.