Meet Dr. Lynn Von Hagen | Conservation Biologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Lynn Von Hagen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Lynn, what do you attribute your success to?
Going back to pursue my PhD after a very long absence from academics was quite a challenge. I think there were two key factors that allowed me to be successful at this challenge. The first was accepting the fact that there were things I didn’t know or had forgotten and it was perfectly normal. I would often have to go back and brush up on subjects or read books to acquaint myself with new concepts. The second thing was being tenacious. Even if I stumbled, I would pick myself back up and try again and learn from the experiences until I got it right.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I spent the last 9 years or so as a non-traditional student (which means I was MUCH older than my fellow students) ultimately pursuing a PhD in conservation biology. Since I was a teenager, I was in love with the natural world, concerned with what was happening to our wildlife and wild spaces, and passionate about doing something to make a difference. Strangely, I didn’t originally pursue conservation as a career but found my way back to what I was passionate about later in life. It wasn’t easy returning to school so long after originally graduating in a different field, but I had the support of friends and family to keep me pushing ahead. I was crazy about African mammals from a very young age and was lucky enough to spend my graduate studies working with local communities in Kenya to mitigate human-elephant conflicts. I spent over 2 years on the ground there living in the bush where every day was a new adventure. I conquered a lot of personal challenges and fears all while chasing my dreams (and occasionally being chased by elephants!). I am now excited to have taken a position with the Denver Zoological Foundation heading up their African conservation programs where I can make a difference for wildlife and local people across the continent. I have definitely learned that it is never too late to be what you might have become!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am fairly new to the Denver area but am no stranger to the beauty of the mountains and the American west. I would head to one of the local trails for a hike or a mountain bike session, visit some hot springs, and eat and drink at one of the many craft breweries or vegetarian restaurants. The food scene in Denver is amazing as well as the museums and of course the zoo. There are no shortage of day trips to the local foothills for a day adventure!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think I owe a huge thanks to the very supportive friends and family that encouraged me to keep steady on towards my goals. Specifically, my husband was behind me 100% and did everything possible to support me along my journey. To have such a supportive network was incredible and really what helped me keep my sanity during the trying times and what drove me to keep pushing forward.

Website: www.lynnvonhagen.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynn_vonhagen/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-vonhagen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LynnVonHagen1