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When Tracy Graziano 鈥�00 returns to Erie on July 18 for the premiere of her latest documentary, she'll be coming home in more ways than one.

An Erie native with dual degrees from Edinboro in environmental science-biology and applied media arts-cinematography, Graziano will debut 鈥淥ur Threatened & Endangered Species: Piping Plovers鈥� at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center 鈥� a fitting venue for a film that celebrates the return of the endangered Great Lakes piping plover to Presque Isle State Park after more than 60 years.

For Graziano, the story is deeply personal. It was at Presque Isle, as an Edinboro student, that she discovered how science and storytelling could shape a career.

Originally drawn to Edinboro for its nationally recognized art programs, Graziano enrolled as a painting major before realizing she wanted to combine her love of art with a lifelong passion for conservation.

"I needed art not only to be happy, but I felt that maybe somehow the two disciplines could work in my favor if I figured out how to put them together," she said.

That realization led her to filmmaking. Encouraged by photography professor Kathe Kowalski, who recognized the storytelling in her images, Graziano enrolled in her first film course with professor David Weinkauf while simultaneously conducting hands-on undergraduate research trapping and radio-collaring eastern coyotes with biology professor Dr. Cynthia Rebar.

Rather than simply study the animals, she documented them on film.

鈥淕aining fieldwork experience both in my internship and producing a documentary film on coyotes really set me apart as a graduate school applicant,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he small classroom size for both my biology courses and art courses meant 鈥� to me 鈥� that I was getting a great education and allowed me to foster professional relationships with my mentors.鈥�

Her undergraduate research earned the Frank G. Brooks Award for Student Research from Beta Beta Beta and recognition as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biologists Outstanding Student in Biology, while an internship managing invasive plants at Presque Isle introduced her to the region's conservation community and strengthened her leadership skills.

After graduating, Graziano became the first woman to earn a master's degree from Montana State University's science and natural history filmmaking program. She later founded Moonfire Film Productions, where she produced documentaries for nonprofit organizations and operated the large-format theater at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Her wildlife footage has appeared on National Geographic, and since joining the Pennsylvania Game Commission in 2010, she has produced more than 70 films and earned numerous professional awards for her work.

Premiering 鈥淥ur Threatened & Endangered Species: Piping Plovers鈥� at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center brings that journey full circle. The documentary tells the story of a species that returned to Presque Isle not through reintroduction, but because decades of habitat restoration and collaboration created the conditions for its natural comeback.

鈥淭he Tom Ridge Environmental Center was being constructed when I returned from graduate school. During that time, my husband and I volunteered with local organizations including the Presque Isle Audubon Society, DCNR's Environmental Research Committee, and produced films for Sea Grant and Audubon,鈥� Graziano said. 鈥淥ur intention had always been to produce science and wildlife films for TREC to utilize as educational pieces for the theater.鈥�

Although funding changes redirected her path, the goal remained.

鈥淪o in a long, roundabout way, this film is accomplishing what I had originally intended to do,鈥� she said. 鈥淭o see the ecosystem restored, and for the birds to come back after a more than 60-year absence as a nesting species, is nothing short of astounding.鈥�

Looking back, Graziano credits Edinboro's close-knit learning environment for giving her the confidence to pursue an unconventional career.

鈥淢y professors believed in what I was doing and supported me throughout my education,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 would not be where I am today without my education at Edinboro.鈥�

Today, she encourages students to embrace interdisciplinary learning.

鈥淲e need people with dual skill sets now more than ever,鈥� Graziano said. 鈥淪tudents who gain science literacy and couple that with storytelling or communications skills are sorely needed. Think of a story that would be challenging to tell 鈥� or that few even know is unfolding. Tell that story.鈥�

About the film:

Along the sandy shores of Presque Isle State Park, a tiny shorebird once thought lost to Pennsylvania makes an extraordinary return. 鈥淥ur Threatened & Endangered Species: Piping Plovers鈥� follows the decades-long effort to restore habitat, protect critical ecosystems, and prepare for the comeback of one of the Great Lakes' rarest birds. Through the voices of professional biologists and conservationists, the film explores how patience, science and partnerships helped create the conditions for recovery 鈥� and what it will take to protect this fragile success for generations to come.

The film will premiere at 1 p.m. July 18, followed by an expert panel discussion at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center as part of Erie Bird Observatory鈥檚 . Admission is free. Seating is limited, so early arrival is encouraged.