Maya Bauer is a recent graduate of Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania where she obtained a B.S. in Environmental Science and a B.A. in Spanish. Her research interests include habitat restoration strategy, effective communication of science to the public and studying bio-indicators of ecosystem health. Maya will study peat bog degradation during her time as a Fulbright with DCU, specifically in the Co. Mayo area. Her goal is to assess the rate of bog degradation using GIS technologies, and to gauge public awareness of the importance of this ecosystem- especially as it relates to climate change. She hopes that her findings will allow her to develop a conservation strategy in the future which balances the needs of the people with the critical value of a healthy bog ecosystem. After completing her Fulbright, Maya plans to return to school to study conservation ecology.