Caroline Larsen-Bircher '10 was a biology major and environmental studies minor at ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳, and is now the co-founder and director of in Sacramento, California.
Caroline is returning to campus along with Syona Arora '15 and Alexis McDonald '17 as part of the Career & Civic Engagement Center’s Listen, Learn, and Connect program on April 7, at 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Panelists will talk with students about career paths in the nonprofit sector. Students can learn more and register via
In the below Q&A, Caroline talks about finding her career passion, the value of attending a women's college, and more.
What did you study?
I majored in biology with a concentration in environmental studies. When I started, I was really interested in the neurobiology realm, but I quickly realized that ecology-type sciences were a better fit for me overall. I came very close to minoring in History of Art as well, which I still really enjoy.
How did you get involved in your current field?
I took an ecology course and everything just clicked for me! I finally found something that I was naturally interested in and pretty good at. I took advantage of the study abroad program to do a field ecology course in South Africa (OTS via Duke University). That was the real game changer for me—it was one of the happiest times in my life and revealed a whole new set of career paths I could take. It combined my love of adventure and ecology and showed me how statistics and modelling isn't really so scary when you're applying it to real life projects. Also, it reconnected me with my childhood passion: bugs. Which is what I focus on today, along with native plants, at Miridae Living Labs.
What part of your ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ experience has been most important to your professional development?
I had always been a very quiet student in the classroom. I've always preferred to sit back, listen, and process before I chime in, and that translated to being very intimidated in classroom settings. ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ (and my study abroad program) helped me overcome that and helped me find my voice. It helped me learn to ask questions and ask for clarification. And, it helped me learn that being wrong or vulnerable in a group setting is ok! BMC gave me the confidence to apply to a top graduate program in my field, and when I arrived there (UC Davis), I felt comfortable in my undergrad preparation.
What career advice do you have for current ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳ students?
You don't have to have it all figured out when you get to ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳, and you don't have to have it all figured out when you graduate! Regardless, you'll get a great academic experience at BMC which will serve you well in any direction you choose to go in. It's OK if you have to squiggle around to find a path that fits—there are many paths for everyone and you might squiggle around your whole life—that's ok! Trust that your BMC experience has prepared you well and shake off that imposter syndrome.
What made you choose to attend ÀÏÍõÂÛ̳?
I knew I wanted a small college. I had always been very, very quiet in class and I knew a large classroom would be overwhelming to me. I'm from California, but my mom is from the East Coast and we were both excited for me to have an experience on the other side of the country. I knew the Tri-Co system would provide a lot of options, and being close to Philly was an added bonus. And, let's be honest, the campus is beyond beautiful.