Faces of the USFWS Meet Senior Fish and Wildlife Biologist Lena Chang (28873369360)

What led you to a career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
As a volunteer for a wildlife rehabilitation center, I was too often seeing the direct human impacts on wildlife and knew I wanted to be a part of conservation on a larger scale. To me, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was the ultimate conservation agency, so I went back to school to earn a degree in science with the goal of working for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. I started work with the Service as a part-time Student Trainee while in school and eventually became a full-time permanent employee.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
California State University, Northridge, B.S. Environmental Biology
Who is your conservation hero or mentor, and why?
There are many. Jane Goodall is etched in my earliest memories, for her lifelong dedication to conservation and activism. Kim Stroud and the late Pete Triem, great friends and mentors at the Ojai Raptor Center, who shared their knowledge and gave me hands-on experience rehabilitating injured and orphaned birds of prey, eventually changing the course of my life and career completely. My biology teachers and professors over the years, and colleagues and friends in the science field from whom I am constantly learning.
What role do you play as a senior biologist with the agency?
My goal is to be a good role model and mentor to others and someone who represents the mission of our agency both professionally and personally. I hope to provide positive leadership and a collaborative work ethic to achieve our conservation goals.
Is there a particular project that you have been involved that you are particularly proud of the outcome?
I am particularly proud of the work we have done with the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, coordinating with them on their environmental cleanup operations while protecting threatened and endangered species. I am also proud of our work and involvement in response to the Deepwater Horizon and Refugio Beach oil spills, and staying spill response ready.
What is the coolest plant or animal that you protect, conserve, restore or educate about? And why?

One of my favorite species we protect is the endangered Ohlone tiger beetle. It is a beautiful, bright green beetle and a fast and agile predator with powerful mandibles for capturing and eating its prey. This beetle’s range is extremely restricted to only a few populations in Santa Cruz County.