Research

Conservation science from Yellowstone to Yukon

I'm a conservation scientist at the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y). I work with a terrific group of researchers, practitioners, and communicators -- and >450 partner groups across the 1.36 million sqkm Yellowstone to Yukon region.

The Y2Y mission is "to connect and protect habitat from Yellowstone to Yukon so that people and nature can thrive". Some of my projects include identifying synergies/tradeoffs among biodiversity and ecosystem services, conservation targets, supporting Indigenous-led conservation, and strategizing coexistence between people and wildlife.

More about Y2Y via our newsletters, via action alerts, or on social media. Seriously, subscribe to our newsletter -- I learn something new every week and I work here! And 'taking action' by writing letters and signing petitions is easy and helps to make a difference for conservation.

Marine spatial planning

My postdoctoral research focused on the ecological, social, and economic outcomes of proposed marine plans and management in coastal British Columbia, Canada. I worked with the University of Victoria, the Natural Capital Project, the Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance, and leaders and resource stewards from the Kitasoo/Xai'xais, Heiltsuk, Nuxalk, and Wuikinuxv Nations. More about the Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP) here.

Tropical forest restoration

My PhD research was on how land-use history and restoration efforts affected biodiversity and ecosystem services in Kibale National Park, Uganda. I worked with McGill University, Makerere University, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority to study how logging, burning, farming, and replanting native and non-native trees affected forest regeneration, foods for large and medium-sized mammals, carbon storage, and timber and non-timber forest products.

Graduate theses and grey literature related to forests and biodiversity in Kibale NP and Uganda here.