Alexa Hightower
Coosa River watershed

Alexa Hightower is a current graduate student at Auburn University, studying Public Administration and One Health. The emerging field of One Health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, resonates deeply with her belief in holistic conservation strategies. Alexa aspires to use the skills she learns from studying One Health to address complex environmental challenges through policy development, strategic planning, and collaborative action.

 


A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Alexa grew up on Lake Martin, where the importance of responsible natural resource stewardship and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations was instilled in her. Following this passion, she went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree in wildlife science from Auburn University.

 

While in undergrad, Alexa’s parents moved to a home on the Coosa River. Learning about the immense loss of biodiversity on the Coosa caused by hydroelectric dams further ignited her desire to advance solutions that strike a balance between human development and environmental preservation.

 


Seeking to combine her knowledge from her wildlife science degree with her current graduate degree in public administration, Alexa is guided by a deep sense of responsibility to serve as a steward of the natural world. She is committed to advocating for policies that prioritize the long-term health and resilience of ecosystems, recognizing that our well-being is intricately intertwined with the health of the planet. Alexa is excited to work with the Alabama Rivers Alliance as an intern this summer. Alabama which depend on our 132,000 miles of rivers and streams.