Bob Fest welcomed back Abby Byrtus ’20 to his IB Environmental Systems & Societies classroom before leaving for Holiday break. Abby shared her inspiring journey with current students, detailing her work in Malawi as a research assistant for the NGO Carnivore Research Malawi (CRM).

Currently, Abby is a key part of the “Urban Hyena Project,” focusing on Human-Wildlife Coexistence to protect the local Spotted Hyena population. Though she is home for the holidays, she returns to Malawi this January to continue her vital field research.

A 2024 University of Vermont graduate (B.S. in Wildlife Biology, minor in Zoology), Abby first discovered her passion for African conservation while on George School Uganda Service Trip with Bob and former faculty Polly Lodge.

"It is incredibly rewarding to see how that experience, followed by her studies in Botswana, paved the way for her professional success," shared Bob. 

Thank you for visiting, Abby!