Growing up in the countryside outside of Falls creek, Pennsylvania Dakota quickly fell in love with the great outdoors. As an avid hiker, hunter, fisherman, kayaker, Atv rider, forager, photographer, and birdwatcher. He is also an avid aquarist, horticulturist, and herpetoculturist. He spent a majority of time growing up in forests and exploring the PA Wilds. After graduating from Brockway High School in 2021 Dakota continued his education at Penn State DuBois and completed an associate’s degree in Wildlife Technology in 2023. Then he completed a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science at main campus Penn State in 2025. Interning at Black Moshannon State Park in 2024 he quickly fell in love with outdoor environmental education. Through that Dakota knew he wanted to share his knowledge and expertise with the public. Dakota started a job at Keystone Elk Country Alliance in 2025 the day after graduation and he knew this would be great place to work after interning at KECA during the rut of 2023.