Welcome, Julia McGowan!

Growing up, Julia always had a fascination with wildlife and marine ecosystems. From a young age, she nurtured her love for nature by watching documentaries on channels such as Animal Planet and spending time on the ocean during boat trips with her father. 

Born and raised in New Jersey near the shore, Julia stayed active and creative in high school. She painted murals around town, danced, and participated in ROTC. Although her original plan was to enlist in the military, after graduating high school, Julia decided to pursue a dream she once believed was out of reach. In 2024, she began studying at Indian River State College, working toward an associate’s degree in biology with the eventual goal of pursuing marine biology. With a growing curiosity in engineering, she joined her school’s engineering club, eventually becoming Vice President and contributing to projects such as teaching children how to operate 3D printers.

 After being accepted as an intern at the Hobe Sound Nature Center, Julia found a place where her passions could truly flourish, deepening her love for wildlife. She strongly believes in conservation and respect for nature and values being part of an organization that shares those beliefs. As Steve Irwin said, “The message is simple: love and conserve our wildlife.”
Outside of school, Julia stays busy working as a gymnastics coach. In her free time, Julia enjoys traveling around Florida to explore its springs and beaches, as she continues to educate herself on the diverse and unique ecosystems that make the state so special.