Samantha Johnson is currently a senior at The University of Arizona that is completing a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine and Wildlife Conservation & Management. Her career goals include earning a DVM in Veterinary Medicine and a Ph.D. in Microbiology. Samantha decided to attend The University of Arizona to continue the legacy of being a second-generation wildcat and for its undergraduate veterinary program. She is engaged in many volunteer and leadership opportunities including the Dean’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Council, Volunteers for Intercultural Definitive Adventures (VIDA), Tucson Wildlife Center, and Dr. John Koprowki’s Laboratory. Samantha began the Lizard Urban Ecology Project to explore her interests in herpetofauna and wildlife ecology. Since then, Samantha has developed a research interest in zoonotic disease and Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) internal biology at the Stone Canyon study site. When Samantha has free time from academics and research she enjoys running, hiking, backpacking, and reading.