Nitsa Platis is Better Trail’s data and behind-the-scenes pro, and Gen-Z champ for all things related to the nuts and bolts of the website. She holds a BA in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Psychology and an MS in Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Biology, and has put both degrees to work leading fisheries research projects, co-authoring scientific publications, and contributing to fish and wildlife conservation efforts across the American West. Nitsa grew up off-the-grid in Leavenworth, Washington, and has adventured across more than thirty countries: Trekking the Andes, skiing Japan's legendary powder, sea kayaking in Mexico, diving WWII wreckage in the Philippines, and volunteering at a wildlife rehab center deep in the Bolivian jungle, among other pursuits. She now lives in Durango, Colorado, where her favorite days outside involve an alpine lake, minimal crowds, and her adventure dog Orzo. Her gear non-negotiables: Bedrock sandals and a good pair of sunnies.