Laura Aileen Sauls

Laura Aileen Sauls is an Assistant Professor at George Mason University’s Global Affairs Program, specializing in political ecology, biodiversity conservation, and climate change governance. Her research combines environmental justice frameworks with community-driven approaches, particularly in Latin America.

• Previous Roles: Leverhulme Early Career Fellow (University of Sheffield), Teaching Fellow (College of the Holy Cross)
• Education: PhD in Geography (Clark University), MA in Geography (Clark University), MPhil in Development Studies (University of Oxford), BA in International Relations and Environmental Science & Policy (College of William & Mary)

Her work focuses on:

• Land rights struggles and remote sensing technologies
• Climate finance justice in Mesoamerican forests
• Impacts of extractive industries on community governance
• Geospatial tools for conservation and territorial defense
• Migration dynamics linked to environmental degradation
• Philanthropy’s role in rights-based conservation

Laura’s recent publications analyze drone-based conservation, data justice in biodiversity, and infrastructure’s effects on forest communities. She collaborates with Indigenous groups across Mexico and Central America.

• Scientific Awards: Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship

Contact: lsauls@gmu.edu | Office Hours: Monday 4-5 pm, Tuesday/Thursday 10:30-11:45 am (online)