A native of Livingston, Montana, Missouri State University alumna Larissa Saarel grew up among the state’s open pastures and forests.

That early exposure to the natural world planted the seeds of curiosity that sparked a career in biology and field research.

She did not always know this was the path, but inspiration struck in high school thanks to an impactful AP biology teacher and an ecology experience in Yellowstone National Park.

“Those experiences showed me science doesn’t just happen in a lab,” Saarel said. “It can be hands-on, outdoors and deeply connected to the places and species I care about.”

Diving into research

Saarel started by studying environmental science at Rocky Mountain College, where she also began her own independent research studying aquatic turtles native to Montana. After graduating in 2022, she sought a graduate program that supported hands-on, field-based research. She found it at Missouri State, working alongside Dr. Day Ligon, biology professor.

Saarel’s work took her to central Belize, where she led her own research project studying the reproductive ecology and movement patterns of the endangered Northern Giant Musk Turtle. With support from faculty, her advisors and international collaborators, she shaped and executed the project, a highlight of her time at Missouri State.

In August 2024, she gave an oral presentation of her thesis research titled, “Reproductive ecology and movement patterns of Staurotypus triporcatus in Belize” at the ESA (Ecological Society of America) Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California.

This summer, she won the Murray F. Buell Award for Excellence in Ecology for her presentation. The award recognized the depth and rigor of her research, including high-quality remote field work.

“I’m honored to receive this award, which reflects my dedication to rigorous data collection,” said Saarel, who graduated with her biology master’s degree in May 2025.

“I’m especially grateful to my advisors, friends and family who joined me in the field, and my Belizean colleagues who taught me so much.”

Working in the field

She recently completed summer work as a Bighorn sheep research technician with the Monteith Shop. From lambing season to high-altitude behavioral observations, she spent her days navigating snowfields, observing herds and collecting critical data.

This fall, she will return to familiar ground: Yellowstone. There, she will support the Yellowstone Wolf and Cougar Project, helping researchers analyze predator-prey dynamics through field-based GPS cluster investigations.

According to Saarel, her goal is to build a career in conservation and management. One day, she hopes to launch a wildlife cinematography company that partners with researchers.

Advice for future biologists

She offers this advice to students pursuing biology: “Apply yourself, get out into the field or lab as early as you can and ask your own questions. That’s where the learning really starts, and don’t forget to have fun!”

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