Our Team: Andrea Rygel, Biologist
Andrea is a biologist at Bat Conservation and Management, Carlisle, PA. Before beginning her career at BCM as a technician in 2023, Andrea was an educator in public schools for 15 years. She earned both a BS and MM in Music and is a classical and jazz saxophonist. During the recession, Andrea rekindled her lifelong love of animals and nature and studied Wildlife and Fisheries at Penn State University. She continued her teaching career in biology, as an Environmental Education Specialist for the PA DCNR, and later teaching high school biology. She combined her love of animals and music and became interested in animal bioacoustics, which led her to BCM. At BCM, Andrea conducts acoustic bat surveys, mist net surveys, harp trapping and hibernacula surveys, prepares reports, and assists with Acoustic and Bat Handling Workshops. She found a new interest, welding, which she is excited to develop for building bat friendly gates. Outside of BCM, Andrea continues to perform on the saxophone, enjoys hiking with her family, and knitting.
