Jillian Rajewski

Jillian Rajewski’s passion for ecology and community service took root while exploring the trails of rural west Michigan. She earned her B.S. in Biology, Ecology, and Evolution from DePaul University, where she contributed to research on community forest reproduction in Michigan, and published a study on invasive purple marsh crab behavior in South Carolina. For her M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University, Jillian collaborated with local, state, and federal stakeholders to study infrastructure impacts on the federally protected eastern massasauga rattlesnake, publishing some of her results. This work led her to assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in updating best management practices for the species. She went on to participate in a post-graduate research project conducting population modeling on local deer populations. Now, as part of the Pollinator Partnership team, Jillian bridges ecological research and community outreach by helping urban growers and landowners establish critical pollinator habitats and educational programs.