Jillian Rajewski

Jillian Rajewski grew up in rural west Michigan where she spent most of her time camping and exploring local trails which grew her love for the outdoors, it’s also where she fostered her passion for community service. While earning her B.S. in Biology, Ecology and Evolution at DePaul University, and through subsequent research positions, Jillian developed an interest in forest ecology and animal behavior. At DePaul, Jillian led two independent research projects: she contributed to an ongoing long-term monitoring project of community forest reproduction in northern Michigan, and also produced a publication on the behavior of the invasive purple marsh crab in South Carolina. During her graduate degree, Jillian coordinated with several local, state, and federal stakeholders to research the effects of roads and maintenance on a federally listed species in Michigan. As a result of this work, she went on to assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with updating best management practices to reduce potential risks associated with regulatory maintenance actions where they may affect the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, or disturb associated habitat. After earning her M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University, Jillian wanted to pursue a career that would allow her to bring together her love of community service and ecological research. This led Jillian to join the Pollinator Partnership team, where she will have the opportunity to work with local urban growers to create crucial habitat spaces for pollinators, and help facilitate educational programs and networking for landowners interested in implementing pollinator-supporting practices.