Introducing Rob Pecchia and Jame McCray

Rob

My work relies on processes that make me feel connected to the vast world. By slowly pedaling my bike up and over the Rocky Mountains, or playing music with a rowdy brass and drum band, I appreciate what is possible with the support of fun and creative communities. I began embroidering because the equipment was easy to carry and work on driving between venues in a packed 15-passenger van. Now, embroidery provides a medium for me to unpack fieldwork experiences or scientific concepts. These days, I am a doctoral student of Animal Behavior & Comparative Psychology at Hunter College. My research focuses on behavioral mechanisms that facilitate invasive species establishment, and mapping the spread of introduced species.

As a PhD candidate in the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department at the University of Florida (UF), I am presently analyzing environmental policies, specifically Florida laws for the protection of sea turtles. I am committed to public scientific literacy and to ensuring that diverse groups of people engage in dialogue on contemporary environmental issues.

I have had the opportunity as a member of the Natural Resources Diversity Initiative at UF to work with K-12 students, conducting science lessons and discussing various careers in the natural resources field. I also served in the Peace Corps in Samoa where I facilitated community workshops focused on waste disposal and its effect on both river systems and fisheries.

In Samoa, my appreciation for the Polynesian tradition of telling nature stories was born when I performed at one of the island’s premier resorts. Back in the United States one can still find me on stage sharing Polynesian dances in addition to salsa and modern dance pieces. When I heard about The Bridge residency, I knew it would be a perfect way to combine my love of science and the arts. I am looking forward to exploring another avenue for communicating environmental conservation topics to a broad audience.

Jame