Joshua Drew

Joshua Drew is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Biology at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. His research focuses on aquatic conservation ecology, examining the intersection of human and natural systems through disciplines like community ecology, biogeography, political ecology, and historical ecology. Fieldwork spans tropical Pacific locations like Fiji as well as New York State ecosystems. He leads the Drew Lab, mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers in conservation biology.

Research interests center on biodiversity conservation in changing environments, with emphasis on marine ecosystems. Key areas include:

• Historical ecology to establish conservation baselines
• Stakeholder engagement in resource management
• Community-based approaches to marine protection
• Impacts of climate change on fisheries
• Ecotourism as a conservation strategy

Publications demonstrate strong focus on applied conservation, with themes including ecosystem service valuation, habitat change mapping, stakeholder perceptions, and innovative methodologies like fuzzy cognitive mapping. Recent work shows increasing emphasis on science communication equity and interdisciplinary approaches.

Advises six graduate students working on projects ranging from fish community changes in New York watersheds to marine invertebrate biodiversity in the Pacific. Actively recruits students at all levels to develop research questions using techniques including collection-based studies, community interviews, and drone-based monitoring.

Leads the Drew Lab, focusing on generating tangible conservation outcomes through collaborative research. Current projects use historical maps, environmental DNA, and interdisciplinary approaches to document ecological change and inform management decisions.