Milan Piva is a graduate student at Emporia State University studying biology. He is expected to graduate in Spring 2016 with a Master's degree and a 3.78 GPA. His thesis focuses on controlling the invasive plant Sericea Lespedeza through fuel load and burn season. Piva has extensive experience in research, teaching, and volunteering related to biology and conservation. He has received several awards for his academic and research accomplishments.