Love of outdoors, research experience helps environmental and sustainability science graduate discover calling

Love of outdoors, research experience helps environmental and sustainability science graduate discover calling

Growing up in Knoxville, Tennessee, with the Great Smoky Mountains practically in her backyard, Lexi Price learned early to see the outdoors as more than a place to explore.

Kim Chaudoin | 05/22/2026

It became a place of wonder, reflection and, eventually, calling.

"Growing up in the Smokies made it easy to fall in love with the outdoors," said Price, who received her Bachelor of Science degree in environmental and sustainability science from Lipscomb University in May. "After connecting with Dr. (John) Lewis' research lab my freshman year, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in environmental conservation."

For Price, Lipscomb was both a familiar place and a new beginning. Generations of her family had attended the university, and her father often spoke highly of his own experience. But it was not until she visited campus herself that Price began to see Lipscomb as the place where her own story could take shape.

"After touring, I fell in love with the campus and everything Nashville has to offer," she said.

The transition to college, however, was not without challenges. Like many students, Price found that leaving home and learning to navigate a new season of independence required resilience. Looking back, she said those moments became part of her formation.

"Starting college is always hard, especially when you've never lived away from home," explained Price. "Looking back, I appreciate the hard times because they made me who I am today. My friends and professors have been such blessings in my life and have helped me learn about who God created me to be."

Price became involved in campus life in a variety of ways, serving as an officer in Delta Omega social club, participating in Crafternoon activities on campus and playing intramural soccer. She said those experiences helped her build community, but some of the most defining moments of her Lipscomb journey happened outside the classroom - in the field, in the lab and in the quiet spaces where her academic interests and faith intersected.

Her research work with Nashville's Warner Parks became a turning point.

"It is safe to say my research has changed my life," Price admitted.

Price first joined the Warner Parks team as a volunteer under the guidance of Lewis, professor of biology and McClure Professor of Faith and Science at Lipscomb. What began as an opportunity to learn more about environmental research soon became a pathway to purpose.

"My passion for environmental protection flourished while researching avian habitats within the park," said Price. "This experience opened doors for me that I could have never imagined."

Through her work, Price studied bird habitats in Warner Parks, including research related to Wood Thrush habitats and Breeding Bird Surveys. She presented her research at two Association of Southeastern Biologists conferences and also participated in Lipscomb's Student Scholars Symposium, experiences that gave her the opportunity to share her work with broader academic and scientific communities.

READ MORE: Students get a bird's eye view of avian conservation

The research also helped Price discover the kind of work she wanted to pursue after graduation, work that connects conservation, education and community engagement.

Post graduation, Price is working for Warner Parks as the Nature Detectives Program community conservation educator. In that role, she will help educate Nashville students about environmental conservation and work with community centers to maintain and establish new pollinator gardens.

"This role will allow me to educate Nashville students about environmental conservation and work with community centers to maintain and establish new pollinator gardens," said Price. "This is truly a dream role that I could not have attained without the gracious mentorship of Dr. Lewis, Dr. (Matt) Hearn and Laura Cook of Warner Parks."

For Price, that mentorship was one of the most important parts of her Lipscomb experience. She said she once worried that attending a smaller university might limit her opportunities after graduation. Instead, she found that Lipscomb's size helped open doors.

"I wish I could go back and reassure myself that in many ways, attending a smaller university is more beneficial," Price reflected. "Lipscomb fostered an environment that allowed me to form personal connections with professors and mentors."

Price's time at Lipscomb also deepened her faith, which she said remained a steady foundation throughout college. Bible studies, friendships formed and church events were meaningful parts of her experience, but she said some of the most powerful moments came in her quiet time with God.

"My faith is what has kept me grounded while at Lipscomb," said Price. "It's great to join Bible studies and meet friends through church events, but some of my most impactful experiences have been in my quiet times with God. Spending time in nature reminds me of God's faithfulness and plan for my life."

As Price reflects on reaching the milestone of earning her undergraduate degree, she does so with gratitude for the community she is leaving and anticipation for the work ahead.

"People always say that time flies, but you don't believe it until it's you graduating," she said. "Even though I feel sad to leave this community, I feel ready for the next step."

"I'm excited to apply everything I've learned," she continued, "and hopefully have the opportunity to pour into students the way so many professors have poured into me."