Halie Shea joined UConn Extension as the UConn 4-H educator for New Haven County in June. She is from Windsor Locks and has a bachelor of arts in special education from Elms College and a master of science in natural science education and environment and natural resources from the University of Wyoming.

What is your area of interest?

My area of interests are 4-H and the environment. My mother participated with horses in 4-H as she was growing up in Pennsylvania. When I was in middle school, she enrolled my sisters and I in UConn 4-H and we all loved it. Outside of 4-H, I spent most of my time camping and exploring nature which fostered my interest in environmental education. 

What is your role with UConn Extension?

I will be working with the New Haven County 4-H program and implementing programs that focus on environmental literacy.

What excites you the most about working with UConn Extension?

I am excited to learn, meet new people, and build relationships. 4-H has done so much for me and I am most excited about giving back to the organization. 

What is one thing you hope people will learn from you and your work?

I hope I can encourage people to take a closer look at the world around them and nurture deeper relationships with the environment. 

What is your favorite thing to do in Connecticut?

My favorite thing to do in Connecticut is explore the Farmington River, hiking, kayaking, etc. 

What is the most unusual job you’ve had?

I temporarily worked with the National Park Service and for this job I would wake up at 3:00am and head out to a field where I used a spotting scope to count how many greater-sage grouse were lekking. Lekking is a courtship ritual that some animals do. Greater-sage grouse lek by gathering in a circle and inflating the air sacs on their chests. 

What are some of your hobbies and other interests?

I love wildlife photography. I had the opportunity to live in Grand Teton National Park which provided me with so many amazing things to take pictures of. Moose were always my favorite animals to photograph. I also love paddleboarding and kayaking, hiking, camping, and pretty much anything else that gets me outside.