West Greene Grad Pioneers Alaskan Wildlife Career

West Greene alumna Jade Renner has forged an impressive path from modest beginnings to the remote and rugged landscapes of Alaska, where she now serves as a wildlife biologist. Her work focuses on the study and preservation of complex ecosystems, contributing to ongoing research in one of the most ecologically significant regions of North America. Renner’s transition from a quiet hometown to the forefront of field biology exemplifies the Pioneer spirit of her community.

Jade recently shared her experience with the GreeneScene. “It has been very interesting for sure.” Speaking of her rural roots, she said, “It honestly made the transition easier. Dutch Harbor, the place I work at in Alaska reminds me of home a lot. However, when I go to Seattle to work with NOAA, I learned I am not a city person. However, most of the people I work with prefer Seattle to Dutch Harbor.”

She explained how her upbringing led her to her career. “Seeing nature all around me in our small community was something I always loved. I came to the realization that we live alongside nature and not against. As I grew older, I realized a lot of people didn’t have that same point of view. That way of thinking made me very passionate about my work, and I want to help foster a world that feels the same way.”

Though Renner’s small-town roots gave her a deep appreciation for nature and a strong work ethic, the remote fieldwork she now conducts in Alaska demands a new level of focus, resilience, and adaptability. The quiet familiarity of home has been replaced by long days in unpredictable terrain, where the environment dictates the schedule. Yet, it’s in these challenging conditions that Renner thrives. Her daily routine, far from ordinary, offers a glimpse into the demanding and rewarding life of a wildlife biologist working on the frontier of conservation science.

According to Renner, “A typical day is waking up to a phone call from the captain telling me a haul is coming. I get up, get dressed, and put on my bibs while trying not to fall because of the rocking of the boat. And yes, it looks as ridiculous as you probably think. I take samples of the boat’s hauls. These samples include count, identification, sex, and weight. I also take otoliths which are the ear bones of fish. These can be looked at under a microscope to tell the age of the fish like you tell the age of a tree.”

Once the data is collected, she sends it to NOAA, where they use it to establish the fishing quota for the following year. “A successful day in the field is determined by hauls with very little bycatch, meaning there aren’t a lot of species being interrupted from their place in the ecosystem. Sampling is a huge part of my job. If everything goes according to plan with my sampling, it’s usually a good day. If I see hauls with very little bycatch, collect all my data, and get to see a beautiful sunset over the mountains of Alaska, THAT is a truly successful day.”

Renner describes her work as equal parts rigorous science and unpredictable seafaring, which makes it clear that her days are as physically demanding as they are purpose driven. But beyond the routines of sampling and data collection, it’s the setting itself that leaves a lasting impression. Life in Alaska has challenged her in ways that go far beyond the scope of her fieldwork. The remoteness, the weather, and the raw beauty of the landscape have all shaped her experience, pushing her to adapt, reflect, and grow in ways she never anticipated when she first left her small hometown behind.

Renner’s past successes on the athletic field and in the classroom made her a role model even before her latest career adventure. When asked what advice she would give someone from a small town who dreams of having a similar career, she replied, “Keep going. It might get rough, but you can do it. It’s scary to take that first step. I fear failure more than anything else. It doesn’t get easier to face the possibility of failure. However, if I didn’t persevere through that fear, I wouldn’t have achieved my dream.”

Her journey from West Greene to the wilds of Alaska is a testament to the power of persistence, purpose, and passion. Her work not only contributes to vital ecological research but also serves as a source of inspiration for others from small communities with big dreams. Through grit, humility, and a deep respect for the natural world, she has carved out a meaningful career on her own terms. For anyone wondering if they’re capable of something greater, Jade’s message is clear: your roots don’t limit you—they ground you for the climb ahead. Just keep going.