Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Kace Vazquez del Mercado

I am incredibly grateful to be recognized as a Grossman Scholarship recipient, as this helps support my undergraduate studies in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology.
My interest in environmental studies was fostered by my mother's love for the outdoors when I was a child. Going on nature walks, visiting museums, and exploring butterfly gardens helped nurture my own appreciation for nature. From these experiences, I’ve become a strong advocate for early environmental education in both schools and outside programs. Introducing young minds to the inner workings of our environment and our reliance on natural resources is crucial to building a more informed and sustainable future. During the summer of my sophomore year of college, I was fortunate to be selected for a summer internship in geological research at my school, Austin Community College. I was also looking for work, and through my school email, I discovered that a local nonprofit was seeking summer interns. I ended up spending those months both drafting and creating a research project, while also tabling at Barton Springs Pool for the Save Our Springs Alliance. That summer was pivotal for me. Through those opportunities, I learned that studying biology was a path I could pursue as an alternative to my business degree. From that point on, I began exploring the possibility of transferring to a university with a strong focus on natural resources.
I am incredibly grateful to have been studying Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University (CSU) since August of 2022. I’ve had many wonderful experiences in my classes, which have only deepened my love for this field. With the guidance of supportive professors, I’ve expanded my knowledge and skill set. From angling and electrofishing field trips to learning how to code and plot wildlife data, these experiences have been instrumental in developing my professional capabilities.
From there, I began looking into undergraduate research opportunities, and by the fall of 2024, I found myself in a group with other students discussing potential fisheries-based research topics. We chose to study the fine-scale movement of Creek Chub (Semotilus atromaculatus) in response to the presence of White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii). This research group continued into the spring, during which we further examined PIT tag retention rates in Creek Chub using different placement locations and methods. Both experiments were successful, and our group presented our findings at CSU’s Celebration of Undergraduate Research and Creativity. We also shared our results at the 2025 Western Division American Fisheries Society conference.
Additionally, the fall of 2024 brought a new job opportunity at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. I began working as an Aquatic Data Analyst Intern, where I developed skills in collecting, analyzing, and visualizing aquatic data from across the state of Colorado. This position has opened countless doors in fisheries and amphibian work. This season, I’ve been supporting the work of dedicated biologists in their conservation efforts for Boreal Toads (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) and Greenback Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii stomias). Both species are listed as Tier 1 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in the Colorado State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which makes this work all the more important. Assisting with the protection and conservation of these species has ignited my passion for supporting native fisheries and addressing the global decline in amphibian populations.
I hope to continue this work through higher education and future job opportunities in conservation biology. Thanks to the support of the VOC’s Grossman Scholarship, I am able to continue my education and pursue my growing passion for this deeply impactful work.

Kace is one of seven students to receive VOC's Grossman Scholarship for the 2025-26 school year. VOC awarded a total of $50,000 in scholarships annually to eligible Colorado residents who have demonstrated a commitment to caring for our environment's natural resources and intend to pursue post-secondary education through an accredited environmental, natural resource, climate, or outdoor industry-related education program in Colorado. VOC also awards one scholarship, funded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), to a student who meets the above criteria and is affiliated with any of the partners in the My Outdoors Colorado (MOC) Coalition, or who is connected to the Cole and/or Westwood neighborhoods in Denver.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Addison Elam

July 16, 2026

Agriculture has always been a part of who I am. As an eighth-generation rancher, I was raised with a deep respect for the land, livestock, and the responsibility that comes with both. From an early age, I learned that taking care of the land is just as important as the work we put into it, and that connection has shaped the path I am choosing for my future. After graduating, I will be attending Otero College, where I plan to pursue degrees in Soil and Crop Science along with Agriculture Business (Agribusiness). I chose these areas of study because I want to better understand both the land and the business side of agriculture. Soil and crop science will allow me to focus on improving soil health, increasing productivity, and managing natural resources responsibly. Agribusiness will give me the tools to make sound financial and management decisions that are necessary to run a successful operation. My passion for these fields comes from growing up in agriculture and seeing firsthand how everything is connected. Healthy soil leads to better crops and forage, which directly impact livestock and the success of an operation. I have learned that caring for the land is not just about today—it is about ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities. Whether it is through conservation practices, responsible grazing, or improving soil health, I want to be part of protecting and strengthening agriculture while continuing to produce food. In addition to my background at home, my involvement in 4-H, FFA, and conservation-related work has strengthened my connection to both agriculture and nature. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of leadership, education, and sharing knowledge with others. I have also had the opportunity to work on soil moisture monitoring projects and participate in conservation efforts, which have further encouraged me to pursue a career that blends agriculture with environmental stewardship. Receiving this scholarship is an incredible opportunity that will help me continue working toward my goals. It not only provides financial support but also reinforces that the path I have chosen is meaningful. This support will allow me to focus more on my education and gaining the knowledge and skills I need to succeed without as much financial stress. In the future, my goal is to own and operate my own ranch. I want to build an operation that reflects strong business practices and a deep respect for the land. I also hope to work in a field such as natural resources or conservation, where I can continue to apply what I have learned and give back to the agriculture community. I am grateful for the support this scholarship provides. It is not only an investment in my education, but also in my future and the future of agriculture.

Get in touch

Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Kace Vazquez del Mercado

Hi, my name is Kace!

Recent Posts

Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Addison Elam

Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Michaela Perez

Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Sawyer DeFrancesco

Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Jakob Ducklow

Off the Beaten Path with VOC

A Bounty of Hope

PO Box 100577

Denver, CO 80250

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER (footer)