Growing up in rural Audubon, Iowa, surrounded by nature, it is no surprise that Missouri State University junior Jordan Porsch formed an early connection to protecting the natural world.

Her mom worked for the Audubon Soil and Water Conservation District, and her dad and brother would take her fishing and hunting.

“Conservation was a big deal in my family, and I love researching new strategies to keep native wildlife thriving and help manage invasive species populations,” Porsch said.

A wildlife and fisheries biology major at Missouri State, Porsch recently received the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The two-year program provides up to $9,500 in funding along with a competitive internship opportunity.

More about the scholarship

Porsch is just the third student from Missouri to receive this prestigious award.

“I’m honored and excited to travel and learn more about different management techniques and research methods,” she said.

As part of the program, Porsch will complete a 10-week paid internship in summer 2027. It will take place at one of NOAA’s research facilities in the United States.

“I can’t wait to meet people in the field and connect with the administration,” Porsch said. “This opportunity will also help me to determine if where I intern at is where I’d want to work in the future.

Porsch credits  Dr. Melanie Carden-Jessen, senior instructor in the School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability, and Dr. Alexander Wait, professor of biology, for helping her reach this goal.

Involved at Mo State

Beyond academics, Porsch is actively engaged on campus and in the community.

She serves as a resident assistant in Freudenberger House, was the vice president of the American Fisheries Society in 2025 and participates in a Fellowship Bible Church life group.

Learn more about biology