Hello! My name is Kyleigh Ann Johnson. I was born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA, only five minutes away from Chicks Beach. I grew up as the youngest child and the only girl with two older brothers who I adore and continuously admire their strength, knowledge, and passion in life. At the age of sixteen, I graduated as the youngest in my class from Bayside High School with an advanced honors diploma and a civics seal. As a first-generation college student, the idea of attending university was extremely foreign to myself and family. However, I received immense support and guidance from advisors, friends, family members, and loved ones who gave me the courage to attend Old Dominion University in the fall of 2022 to pursue a degree in Biology. I am currently awaiting the beginning of my Junior year at Oregon State University and am more excited than ever to continue my education within the zoology field. With my degree in zoology, I intend to seek higher education in mammalogy with concentration in environmental conservation. My goal is to study the behavior and biology of exotic animals as well as advocate for the protection of their habitats from deforestation, pollution, game hunting, etc. I am currently employed at a Veterinary Hospital as a vet assistant. My job allows me to continue my education outside of my courses and gives me the hands-on experience that will prove to be vital towards my future in animal sciences. During my free time I often rock climb with my brothers, lounge on the beach with friends, or take my dog to local community dog parks.