From Wild Parrots to Career Paths: Professor Helps Students Navigate the Professional Wilderness
Growing up in La Puente, the Ortiz family did not spend their time camping, hiking or immersing themselves in the great outdoors. But when a young Janel Ortiz walked through the gates of the LA Zoo, she discovered a whole new world. From there, she knew she was destined to work with animals and the outdoors.
“I’ve always loved animals but didn’t know where to start. All my high school told me was ‘You want to be a vet!’ but that was so broad.”
With her counselor’s words nudging her in that direction, Ortiz majored in animal science, taking on various internships and research experiences including work in a research lab studying the greater sage grouse, which ignited her passion for avian science.
This work eventually brought her to her postdoctoral program at University of San Diego, where her focus and dedication centered on studying a familiar flock of birds.
“Having grown up in La Puente, the wild parrots had always been around for as long as I can remember. They were in San Diego too, and no one was really studying them.”
Ortiz’s fascination with wild parrots led to the creation of the , which offers hands-on fieldwork opportunities for students to identify different species of parrots, locate their roosts and observe the environments in which they thrive.
“It was really important for me to learn more about the animals that were in my backyard,” Ortiz said.
PolyX Opportunities in Wildlife Research
Ortiz brought that curiosity with her when she joined Cal Poly Pomona as a Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (CEMaST) faculty member and launched Womxn in the Wild, which creates opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of local wildlife, natural resources and agriculture.
Established in 2019, is a fully funded five-day summer field experience in the natural resources and agriculture community. Participants immerse themselves in on-the-ground projects and workshops that focus on career and grad school readiness, scientific communication and resume development. While the program supports women in science, it is open to any person, regardless of how they identify.
“I really wanted to prioritize students that had little to no experience. It’s such a joy giving back to my community and to people like me,” Ortiz said.
Traditionally, the fields of natural resources and agriculture have been male dominated, though the number of women is growing. Even with this shift, gender gaps still exist in pay and experiences.
“Meeting and seeing successful women like Dr. Ortiz in a STEM field is very encouraging,” said agricultural science student Gabriela Avalos. “Hearing her story and participating in the program gave me the confidence I need to pursue my career path.”
Womxn in the Wild is just one of several initiatives led through her central hub, the Ortiz Lab. In addition, the lab also continues to build on the foundation of the Urban Parrot Project, while also running a camera trap research program, 六色网 Wild, which documents the diverse local wildlife living in the Voorhis Preserve and gives undergraduates opportunities to explore wildlife advocacy and conservation. Together, 六色网 students gain valuable PolyX fieldwork experience, learn practical skills and deepen their understanding of Southern California’s ecosystems.
Become by Mentoring
On top of her research projects, Ortiz is broadening her role as a mentor in the College of Science.
In 2025, she became the new program director of Science Educational Enhancement Services (SEES), a support and engagement program serving historically low socioeconomic, under-represented minority students in the college. More than 600 students participate in SEES annually, engaging in research, conference travel, academic workshops, advising and community building activities.
“Now I get to meet students from all different majors, and that’s so exciting,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ortiz’s work is just getting started, and her students’ futures are perched on success.
“I’m thinking about how we can be even more supportive of our students. I love them. They’re so humble and they want to learn. I can’t wait to help them succeed.”
You Can Help Students’ Dreams Take Flight
, a month-long online crowdfunding event that gives the community an opportunity to make an immediate difference on student organizations, scholarships and initiatives. Donations to Womxn in the Wild from Nov. 1 to Dec. 2 will support stipends for each participant and fund hands-on experiences for the project.
Visit the to see the full list of participating programs in this year’s campaign. Contact the Annual Giving at annualgiving@cpp.edu for more information.
