UW-Stevens Point student discovers passion for research while overcoming challenges

An undergraduate researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has translated her battle with chronic illness into purpose with the help of the Stephens Family Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project.

Jena Garceau, Manitowoc, was an active kid. For a three-sport athlete who loved to fish and hunt, a career focused on the outdoors was a natural fit.

"Before college, my whole life was sports. I ran cross-country, played basketball and softball and loved the outdoors. Once I narrowed down that I wanted to pursue a career in natural resources, Stevens Point was immediately on my radar," she said.

During her senior year of high school, Garceau started to notice changes in her ability to do the things she once enjoyed. Running became extremely difficult, and pain increased to the point that she needed help getting out of bed in the morning. This led to her being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in October of 2021.

She underwent a series of surgeries to improve her symptoms, including colon removal, during her senior year. This left her in and out of the hospital frequently, unable to participate in some of the activities she once could. Although this experience was challenging, she looks back on the support she received from her family, friends and community with gratitude.

"I missed a lot of school from being in and out of the hospital, and my teachers and administrators were so accommodating and helped me set up a system for virtual learning," Garceau said. "My classmates and friends sent me so many letters, and my entire cross-country team even ran outside the hospital to wave to me from my window. Just being able to see those faces was so touching and really made me feel supported."

Her number one goal despite her illness was to play collegiate softball at UW-Stevens Point. Garceau had already committed to studying in the College of Natural Resources but wanted to achieve her dream of being a collegiate athlete. Although the tryouts were physically difficult, she was offered a spot on the team and felt ready to take on the challenge.

Garceau later had to face the reality of navigating her condition as a student. Very early in her first semester, she got an infection and had to take some time away from school, among other challenges that made collegiate athletics difficult. After spending much of her first-year re-evaluating what was best for her health, she made the difficult decision to quit the softball team.

"I was sick of pushing my body so hard and not having the control I wanted over my health," Garceau said. "Once I quit softball, I was struggling with who I was outside of sports. Counseling Services was a huge help to me because they encouraged me to get involved with different clubs and activities, which eventually led me to the Wildlife Society."

Garceau started attending UWSP Wildlife Society meetings, which introduced her to the Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project. The project gives students the opportunity to take field data that guides wildlife management decisions across the state, working alongside professional researchers, and is made possible through funding from the Stephens Family Foundation. She connected with Associate Professor and Wildlife Coordinator Cady Sartini, principal investigator for the project, who saw that she had the skills to be a great student researcher. At Sartini's recommendation, Garceau was named the Safari Club International Wisconsin Black Bear Research Fellow.

"She seemed like a natural fit for the fellowship because of her high-level involvement in our bear project," said Sartini. "From the very beginning, I knew she was a student I could count on to get things done and had a good head for big-picture thinking. She loves bears, loves sharing her experiences with others and exhibited excellent leadership qualities."

As part of the Wisconsin Black Bear Research Project, Garceau spent summer of 2025 in Clam Lake, Wis., with graduate student Hayden Walkush, where they collected data focused on female migration patterns and population growth year over year. Independently, her research focused on whether bears follow optimal foraging patterns at bait sites. Garceau was excited to be a part of the project and get to work with one of her favorite animals.

"I was honored when Cady asked if I would take on this fellowship. I have always loved black bears and seeing more of their personalities while researching in the summer was so cool," she said. "Getting to do this independent research has been amazing, and I have loved being a part of this project because it is an opportunity to network with professionals in the field."

Even while recovering from surgery during her fellowship in Clam Lake, she was able to take part in a hands-on experience, a true testament to her passion for research and determination to succeed.

"She is diligent, tenacious and patient, and I know that she will have a successful future because she simply wouldn't allow anything else," said Sartini. "She does a great job of looking for opportunities to connect and taking advantage of whatever is thrown at her.  She embraces challenges and always manages to find a way to do things more efficiently. I love knowing Jena is going to graduate and go out there to do great things for wildlife."

Although managing colitis forced a shift in perspective, Garceau reflects on those challenges as paving the way for new opportunities.

"When I committed to playing softball, that was the only thing I had time for," Garceau said. "Even though colitis closed the door to one thing in my life, it opened up the door to something I love even more." Garceau was recently awarded a scholarship through AbbVie, a biopharmaceutical company that supports individuals with inflammatory diseases. She was one of 26 students selected nationwide and was awarded $20,000. She is set to graduate in May with a degree in wildlife ecology and hopes to continue working with black bears in the future through field work or graduate studies.