Name, where are you in the world right now?

Gina Crane, and I’m in Braintree, Massachusetts (south of Boston) with my husband, two cats, and a dog.

Where are you joining us from?

I’m in Duke’s Global Executive program and I found CXL through Fuqua Volunteer Corps. I also received a Masters of Science in Innovation from Northeastern.

Why did you choose to work with Conservation X Labs (CXL) this summer?

I grew up in the Audubon Society with my mom, so I’ve always had a passion for conservation. I really like CXL’s mission, and the job itself - innovating the curriculum for the innovators of tomorrow - really spoke to me. I love being part of the solution. I wanted to spend the summer working on products that continue to push forward my innovation learning.

What will you be working on with us?

I’m working with Cassie to develop a conservation technology curriculum toolkit for faculty and students to use. Right now we’re in the problem-solving and research stage - determining what our minimum viable product is and what is needed for launch.

Do you have a favorite species?

Yes, I bounce between loving tigers and loving wolves (cliche I know!). I especially loved bengal tigers growing up, and I had a stuffed animal I walked around with.

How are you staying entertained during the pandemic?

I’m a professional tv watcher, it’s a skill I’ve been developing for years. And video games! My husband and I got a Switch right before COVID happened and we’ve downloaded a couple of retro video games - Mario, Luigi, and a lot of Final Fantasy.

Outside of your work at CXL, what’s one of the coolest projects you’ve worked on so far?

I love shelter animals. My dog Oakley is my foster fail - I got him in college because I had a fenced in backyard. I got Oakley certified as a canine good citizen to volunteer with elderly and children. My cat Whiskey is your typical cat - he doesn’t trust anyone except my husband and I. We also have a little tuxedo cat - Bond, who is blind. I actually just started a page for Bond to help special needs animals. He is a little blessing in disguise.