04/30/2026
You could say Colby Slezak ’19 has truly “gone wild”, in the best way possible. 🐻
After graduating from SUNY Cobleskill’s Wildlife Management program, Colby has been making waves in wildlife research and conservation. Following his bachelor’s, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Rhode Island, continuing his passion for studying the natural world. 🐦
During his time at Cobleskill, Colby earned several academic honors and his achievements have only continued to grow. He’s received regional and national recognition through The Wildlife Society. Most recently, one of the organization’s most competitive distinctions: Best Journal Article Published in 2025, awarded to Colby and co-authors for their outstanding research. 🫎
Reflecting on his time at SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech, Colby shared:
“What really helped me was how well-rounded the wildlife program is. Through the classes and all the hands-on work, we got exposed to so many different field techniques and methods. That gave me a strong foundation and helped me build a broad skill set that’s been huge for staying creative and adaptable—not just in the field but throughout my career so far.
Being part of the student chapter of The Wildlife Society was also a big part of my experience. It created such a strong sense of community that carried me through undergrad and grad school. I built a lot of meaningful connections and friendships that I still have to this day, and that support system has really helped me navigate times of uncertainty and change in my career.”
Currently, Colby is onboarding with the USDA for a research position in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he’ll continue advancing his work in the field.
