Scarlett, '25

Senior Scarlett Osborn’s independent study, "Alligator Management and Ecology Surrounding Avery Island, Louisiana: Revisiting E.A. McIlhenny’s Observations: The Alligator’s Life History," is deeply rooted in her family’s home and history. Scarlett arrived at ESA in 2021 after having lived in Cape Town, South Africa, but southern Louisiana was already a familiar place. It's her family connections to Avery Island that inspired her research focus. Her final report highlights the intersection of ecology, economics, land management, biology, and history, as well as Scarlett's enthusiasm for environmental science and her pride in her legacy. Here’s our Q&A with Scarlett:

Mentored by Ms. Hidalgo and coastal wetlands expert, Mr. Mark Shirley, my study traces the evolution of my great, great grandfather E.A. McIlhenny’s alligator observations and management around Avery Island at the start of the 20th century into today’s multi-million dollar industry, using his 1935 book as a historical foundation. It integrates alligator harvest data from Avery Island (2012–2024) with nest mapping, vegetation analysis, and field observations, supported by interviews with wildlife managers, policy experts, and alligator farmers. By examining ecological and economic trends, the research offers insights into the industry’s current impact and the future of alligator populations in the region. 

A combination of pursuing my passion for environmental research, learning more about Louisiana’s ecosystem, and understanding my Southern heritage, has drawn me to this alligator study, recreating E.A.’s McIlhenny’s 1935 monograph as my high school independent study nearly a century later. This study serves as a microcosm of the hard work and dedication of scientists and management experts on Avery Island over the past 200 years. It also highlights McIlhenny’s legacy – planting the seeds of conservation for future generations of the Island’s custodians. I hope that my great, great-grandchildren will be able to hear the story about how I continued his legacy and made it relevant for my descendants. Around the island in the marsh where both E.A. and I spent time growing up, this study was also my own personal journey, one in which the bayou connects my inner and outer worlds, connects me to my family, and to this unique landscape where I originate from.

I've always been inspired by EA; he was an eccentric: an avid conservationist, an arctic explorer - as well as a hot sauce entrepreneur. EA had a pet alligator called Frank which he could call with a whistle. One time, he was nearly mown down by a gator when he was stuck waist-deep in bayou mud, and he had the scars on his chest to prove it! EA kept meticulous records - for instance, we just discovered that he supplied all live oaks and shrubs to the State Capitol, LSU, and even Bendel Gardens where I live. I like reading his book on alligators and hearing echoes of my grandfather, my dad, and even me in it. 

I have also always been fascinated by the marsh that surrounds Avery Island where EA and I both spent time growing up. I did a 4H LSU Marsh Maneuvers course in 2023, where we planted cord grass to stabilize the marshes. Recently, I've been appointed as a Future Coastal Leader with the New Orleans-based Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana that educates college and high school students about our coastal ecosystem. Amongst other things, we recycle oyster shells to build reefs that protect and restore shoreline habitat across southern Louisiana.

I really like the idea of rolling my sleeves up as part of a multi-generational effort to do my bit to preserve the fragile ecosystem of this unique and beautiful part of our state.

The hurricane season has meant that only 30 percent of the alligator eggs survived this season. This is not only a problem for the breeding population, but also for the economy - and my study!

Always seek out every opportunity - you never know what it will lead to; and never be afraid to ask questions (all my teachers know this about me!).

I would really like to go back to Madagascar and study lemur ecology and behavior. They are fascinating, and a keystone species of this unique island that has been so affected by climate change and habitat loss.

ESA has given me an intense curiosity about the world. It has the secret sauce that has provided me with a collaborative environment where I've been able to create an intellectual gumbo that explores ideas from multiple angles. I think that's why I'm so committed to innovating solutions to environmental issues from an interdisciplinary standpoint in college.
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As part of her work, Scarlett compiled the data and observations collected by her great, great grandfather in the late 19th century, and by the land management team at Avery Island in more recent years, analyzed data collections, and documented current management practices. To preserve her research and historical recount of the conservation practices on Avery Island, a bound copy of her report will be housed in the island's archives. Beginning in the fall, Scarlett will study environmental science at Tufts University.