From the Sunken Garden to the Smithsonian: Emma Cottle (’25) Spotlights Zoological Career Paths

After completing a rigorous final semester at William & Mary—including Marine Ecology with Professor Jon Allen—Emma Cottle (’25) took her biological expertise to the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C.. As an intern in the Small Mammal House, Emma was responsible for the daily care, behavioral monitoring, and enrichment of a wide variety of specialized species.

A major highlight of her internship involved "Scale Training" and "Forage-Enrichment" projects for the zoo's resident Brush-Tailed Bettongs. These projects are critical for monitoring animal health and encouraging natural foraging behaviors in a captive environment.

Beyond the bettongs, Emma assisted with the specialized care of the Brazilian Porcupine. Her daily responsibilities included monitoring dietary intake and assisting with health assessments, providing a unique look at the husbandry requirements for specialized South American rodents. She also gained significant experience in arboreal species management while working with the zoo's resident sloths, ensuring their habitats met the complex needs of these unique mammals.

"The hands-on experience and ecological foundation I gained at W&M prepared me for the technical demands of a top-tier zoological facility," Emma noted. Currently, she is pursuing full-time keeper positions within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) network to continue her career in conservation.