Aurelie Muckenhirn is an incredibly hard-working and knowledgeable biologist who has been an integral piece of the Sequoia team since 2019. Aurelie earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from the California Lutheran University. In addition, she also holds a master’s degree in Applied Ecology from the Universite de Poitiers.

Aurelie has a myriad of experience working as an intern on restoration ecology projects at UCSB, and aquatic biology research with the Santa Barbara Audubon Society. She has also worked as a research assistant in Montenegro, and as a Wildlife Biology intern for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

An experienced and versatile biologist, Aurelie currently working towards 10(a)1(a) permits for California tiger salamander and California red-legged frog. Aurelie developed a strong affinity for the natural world at a young age because of her inherent love for animals of all kinds.

While Aurelie is passionate about many of the species we encounter here at Sequoia, her favorite would have to be the California tiger salamander, because of how they look as juveniles. When asked what her favorite part about working at Sequoia is, Aurelie replied: “helping to ensure the protection of natural resources, and spending time observing wildlife.” Aurelie is frequently out working hard in the field. While out in nature, she stays fueled up with her favorite field snacks: olives.

When she is not hard at work with Sequoia, Aurelie enjoys many hobbies and pastimes such as traveling, cooking, snowboarding, and cuddling her cats.
Aurelie’s favorite place in the world to enjoy nature is the Pantanal because “parts of it are remote and uninhabited allowing for you to observe tons of wildlife.” Her most memorable field observation was when she was fortunate enough to observe several jaguars. This observation really sticks out because she had never seen a large carnivore in the wild before.

If Aurelie were not working in environmental consulting, she would likely pursue a career working for a nonprofit animal rescue because of her passion for helping animals.

Thank you, Aurelie, for all your hard work and dedication. We are so lucky to have you on our team!