09/15/09 Copper River Cool!

Danielle MacPhee, Norton High School class of 2004 and MMA '08, is sitting pretty on the banks of the Copper River in Alaska. Well...she doesn't actually do much sitting, but she does do a lot of fishing. As Fisheries Research Technician for the Native Village of Eyak, she catches and tags Chinook and Sockeye salmon in an effort to estimate the total population of each. Stats go to the State Fisheries so they can estimate allowable catch numbers.

Danielle stumbled on the job while searching online. Next thing she knew she was on a plane to Cordova, Alaska, where she spent the first week with seven other research technicians from all over the USA and Canada. After being schooled in bear and gun training, first aid and CPR, they were flown to a remote camp along the Copper River where they set up camp and launched the research fish wheels into the river. Four dug in at Baird Camp while the others ventured north to the sister camp, Canyon Creek.

This young alum graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, a perfect match for her interests and hobbies which include anything outdoors, traveling, reading, writing, fishing, photography and sports. Danielle chose the Academy because it provided the unique opportunities and skills she needed to pursue the career of her choice. She remembers liking the idea of a regimental lifestyle, a tightly knit student population and the great location. From childhood, she recalled wanting to preserve our land and its wildlife. The MSEP major fit her needs like a glove. The cadet was also able to play college sports, always more of a possibility at a small school.

Danielle MacPhee, MMA and MSEP, equal a big WIN - WIN!

Click here to learn more about the MSEP major.

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