Find Academic Supervisors

Ben A. MinteerView profile

Professor

• Environmental ethics
• Wilderness
• Conservation history
• +4 more

Ben A. Minteer is a Professor of Environmental Ethics and Conservation in the Arizona State University School of Life Sciences. He serves as Senior Global Futures Scholar at ASU's Global Futures Scientists and Scholars program, and contributes to environmental thought through extensive publications and editorial work. Education: PhD in Environmental Studies (University of Vermont, 2000) His research focuses on environmental ethics , wilderness philosophy , and history of conservation thought , particularly examining human relationships with wild spaces in the American West. Key themes include: Wilderness preservation in the Anthropocene De-extinction ethical frameworks Zoo and wildlife park conservation roles Visual representation of wildness Pragmatist environmental philosophy His recent articles address topics like: 2025: Reconsidering anthropomorphism in zoo ethics 2024: Visual ecology in wilderness representation 2023: De-extinction limitations and zoo conservation evolution 2022: Wetland protection and disease prevention Scientific achievements include: 2018: Choice Outstanding Academic Title for The Ark and Beyond Editorial Board: Environmental Ethics journal (2010-2020) NSF grant recipient for conservation ethics research As educator, he teaches Environmental Ethics (BIO 324/PHI 310), Honors Directed Study (BIO 492), and Undergraduate Research (BIO 495). He chairs the SoLS Communications Committee and serves as manuscript reviewer for multiple academic presses.

Lindesay Scott-HaywardView profile

Academic

• Ecological Modelling
• Statistical Ecology
• Wildlife Population Dynamics
• +7 more

Lindesay Scott-Hayward is a Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling (CREEM) at the School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, UK. She is actively involved in ecological and statistical research with applications in conservation and renewable energy impact assessment. Her work spans international collaborations, particularly in Namibia and Denmark. Research Interests: Her expertise lies in statistical ecology , wildlife population dynamics , and environmental risk modeling . She specializes in spatial analysis, point process modeling, and monitoring wildlife populations affected by environmental stressors such as drought and offshore wind development. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life on land and climate action. Publication Trends: Her recent research output shows a strong focus on conservation applications of statistical models , particularly in African elephant and seabird populations. There is a clear trend toward impact assessment of renewable energy projects , open science practices (with published code and data), and collaborative, interdisciplinary research involving government and industry partners. Scientific Awards: No specific awards or fellowships were mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: She is accepting postgraduate research students and has supervised at least one research project. She leads multiple externally funded research projects, including Understanding the dynamics of wildlife populations in Namibia (funded by EPSRC), Danish Windfarms (NIRAS A/S), and two projects with the Carbon Trust: ORJIP Closing the Loop and AssESs . These grants reflect her leadership in applying statistical ecology to real-world conservation and energy challenges. Labs and Teams: She leads CREEM (Centre for Research into Ecological & Environmental Modelling), a prominent research center at the University of St Andrews focused on developing and applying statistical methods to ecological and environmental problems. Her team collaborates extensively with Danish institutions like Aarhus University and UK-based organizations such as the Carbon Trust.

Heather LernerView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ornithology
• Conservation Biology
• +3 more

Heather Lerner is an Associate Professor of Biology and Director of the Joseph Moore Museum at Earlham College, Indiana. She leads research integrating museum collections with evolutionary biology, focusing on avian speciation, genomics, and conservation. Her work includes studying raptors, Hawaiian honeycreepers, and giant beavers using molecular techniques. She also explores the role of museums in community-based STEM education and sustainability. Education: Ph.D. & M.S. in Biology from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; B.S. from Bryn Mawr College. Her research interests span evolutionary mechanisms (genotype-phenotype-environment interactions), conservation genetics, and behavioral ecology. She collaborates on projects like stable isotope analysis of Grasshopper Sparrows and comparative genomics of raptorial traits. Recent studies emphasize ancient DNA analysis and phylogenetic reconstructions. She leads off-campus programs in Hawaii and New Zealand, combining fieldwork with ecological and cultural sustainability practices. These programs engage students in coral reef ecology, conservation biology, and community-based resource management. Professional Memberships: American Ornithologists Union, Society for Systematic Biologists, Raptor Research Foundation. Lerner's lab supports student research in molecular sequencing, disease prevalence studies, and population genetics. Current projects include supermatrix analysis of booted eagles and genomic sequencing of giant beaver specimens. She encourages student-driven projects in avian genomics and conservation.

• Wildlife Conservation
• Fisheries Science
• Wetlands Ecology
• +4 more

Courtney J Conway serves as Professor of Wildlife Sciences and Unit Leader of the Idaho Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Idaho's College of Natural Resources, with additional membership in the Rangeland Center. His academic appointments reflect deep integration within the institution's natural resources framework. His educational trajectory includes a PhD in Organismal Biology and Ecology (1998) from the University of Montana, an MS in Zoology and Physiology (1990) from the University of Wyoming, and a BS in Wildlife Biology (1985) from Colorado State University, establishing foundational expertise in ecological systems. Dr. Conway's research program centers on avian conservation in threatened ecosystems, particularly sagebrush-steppe and wetlands. His work examines species like greater sage-grouse, Ridgway's rails, and Western grebes through lenses of habitat dynamics , genetic monitoring , and anthropogenic impacts . Methodologically, he integrates field ecology with genetic analysis, remote sensing, and population modeling to address conservation challenges, with recent emphasis on climate resilience and land-use conflicts. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on threatened species management across spatial scales. Key trends include development of range-wide monitoring frameworks for rails, quantification of grazing effects on sage-grouse demographics, and investigation of disease impacts on raptor populations. His work consistently bridges theoretical ecology with actionable management strategies, particularly regarding habitat restoration and recovery planning for endangered taxa. As leader of the Conway Lab and the Idaho Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, Dr. Conway oversees collaborative research involving USGS, state agencies, and federal partners. His program emphasizes field-based training and cross-institutional partnerships to address regional conservation priorities, particularly in sagebrush ecosystems and wetland habitats where anthropogenic pressures threaten biodiversity.

Gretchen SneegasView profile

Academic

• Environmental Governance
• Critical Human Geography
• Food Studies
• +7 more

Gretchen Sneegas is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Washington, Seattle. Her work bridges environmental governance, food systems, and sustainability science with a focus on critical methodologies like Q-methodology. She holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Georgia (2019), an M.A. in Food Studies from Chatham University (2014), and a B.A. in Germanic Studies and Theatre & Drama from Indiana University (2008). Her research examines contentious geographies of food, energy, and water through mixed-method approaches, including studies on shale gas development impacts, urban water security, and raw milk politics. She has conducted postdoctoral research at Texas A&M University and the University of Washington’s School of Environmental & Forest Sciences. Dr. Sneegas is committed to innovative pedagogy, emphasizing hands-on learning and inclusive education. Her teaching spans undergraduate courses on environmental geography and graduate workshops on research design. She has received multiple awards for teaching excellence and has been a leader in diversity initiatives within academic geography. Key Research Areas: Environmental subjectivity, adaptive management, food justice, water governance Methodological Expertise: Q-methodology, ethnography, critical discourse analysis Grants: NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant ($14,629), Texas A&M X-Grant ($1.5M) Her over 20 peer-reviewed publications reflect interdisciplinary engagement with pressing environmental and social issues. Current research includes studies on grizzly bear reintroduction perspectives and long-term forest management programs in Washington State.

John WoinarskiView profile

Research Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Threatened Species
• Ecology
• +6 more

Professor John Woinarski is a part-time Research Professor in Terrestrial Ecology at the Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Technology at Charles Darwin University. He specializes in conservation biology , with a focus on threatened species , fauna , and ecological management in Australian savannas and islands . His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 15). Research Interests: • Conservation of mammals , reptiles , and birds • Biodiversity policy and management strategies • Fire and predator ecology in tropical savannas Scientific Awards: Eureka Prize for Biodiversity Research NT Chief Minister’s Research and Innovation Award Serventy Medal for Australian ornithology Society for Conservation Biology’s Distinguished Service Award He has served on numerous government policy committees and contributed to 329 research outputs , including studies on feral cats , island biodiversity , and fire regimes . His projects emphasize threatened species recovery and cross-cultural conservation approaches .

Jacqueline DoyleView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular ecology
• Conservation genomics
• Population genetics
• +3 more

Jacqueline Doyle is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University, part of the College of Science and Mathematics. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Purdue University, an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Murray State University, and a B.A. in Biological Sciences from The College of Wooster. Her research focuses on molecular ecology, conservation genomics, and population genetics, with a particular emphasis on endangered species and wildlife conservation. Notable projects include studies on the Allegheny woodrat, golden eagles, and gray whales, exploring genetic diversity, translocation impacts, and viability selection. She also integrates education initiatives like DEI-focused CURE models in STEM curricula. Her work spans avian and amphibian systems, utilizing molecular tools such as SNP analysis, mitochondrial genome sequencing, and noninvasive genetic techniques. While no scientific awards are listed, her contributions to conservation genetics and wildlife management are evident through her prolific publications (2010–2025). No advising or grant details are provided, though her research actively addresses ecological and genetic challenges in endangered species recovery. Dr. Doyle’s interdisciplinary approach bridges fieldwork, laboratory genetics, and educational innovation, reflecting her commitment to both academic rigor and practical conservation outcomes.

• Conservation Biology
• Genomics
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• +3 more

Dr Belinda Wright is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Science, Koala Health Hub. Her research focuses on conservation genomics of Australia’s threatened species, particularly koalas and Tasmanian devils, using genomic techniques to address disease impacts and improve species management. She holds a PhD and advanced degrees in biological sciences. Education: BA, BSc (Hons), PhD (disciplines unspecified but likely in biology/life sciences). Research interests include genomic analyses of wildlife diseases, conservation genetics, and immune system adaptations in marsupials. Her work bridges laboratory and field studies to inform practical conservation strategies. Recent work emphasizes koala health challenges, including herpesvirus transmission dynamics and immune responses to pathogens like Cryptococcus. She also contributes to Tasmanian devil conservation through genomic studies of population genetics and disease resistance. Grants: Received a 2023 Wildlife Disease Association award for validating koala fur as a diagnostic tool for population health assessment. Labs/Teams: Active member of the Koala Health Hub, collaborating on interdisciplinary wildlife health projects.

Robert HeilmayrView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental Economics
• Land System Science
• Deforestation Governance
• +5 more

Robert Heilmayr is an Associate Professor at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, with a joint appointment in the Environmental Studies Program. His work focuses on environmental and ecological economics, integrating causal inference methods with Earth observation data to address global environmental challenges. He holds a PhD in Environment and Resources from Stanford University, alongside an MA in Economics and BA in interdisciplinary environmental studies. Research emphasizes nonstate governance mechanisms to halt deforestation, leveraging satellite data and econometrics. Key projects include evaluating palm oil supply chains in Indonesia, impacts of Chilean forest policies, and reforestation payment effectiveness. He teaches environmental economics, GIS, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Heilmayr actively engages with policy processes (e.g., IPCC, California Air Resources Board) and media, with research featured in Nature Climate Change and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . His lab explores resource use patterns globally, advocating for evidence-based conservation policies. Current students include PhD candidates Anna Costola Pede (focusing on environmental economics and land use) and Yifan He (specializing in environmental politics and land governance). His lab collaborates internationally, addressing topics like plantation forestry's ecological trade-offs and drought vulnerability in mesic forests.

Linda BjedovView profile

Associate Professor

• Forest Protection
• Forest Rodents
• Population Dynamics
• +3 more

Linda Bjedov is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, University of Zagreb. She holds a PhD and has conducted postdoctoral research since 2015. Her professional career spans over 15 years in academic and applied research roles, including work on the Biodiversity Project Ötscher at BOKU (Vienna). She currently teaches courses on zoonoses and animal behavior in natural and urban habitats. Her research focuses on forest protection with emphasis on rodent population dynamics, zoonotic diseases (e.g., hantavirus, tick-borne encephalitis), and wildlife management. Key areas include monitoring of invasive species like beavers and small rodents, as well as studying their ecological and public health impacts. Recent work emphasizes Tick-Borne Encephalitis epidemiology, rodent-borne zoonoses, and conservation strategies for endangered small mammals like the Balkan Snow Vole. She has pioneered methodologies for monitoring forest dormice and evaluating rodent damage prevention measures in Croatian forests. Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining ecology, virology, and wildlife management. Notable projects include long-term rodent population monitoring in state forests and studies on public perception of beaver reintroduction programs.

Martin ÖsterlingView profile

Professor

• Freshwater Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Aquatic Ecosystems
• +3 more

Martin Österling is a Full Professor in Biology at Karlstad University, specializing in freshwater ecology, conservation biology, and the interplay between aquatic species and their environments. His research focuses on understanding ecosystem dynamics, particularly involving freshwater mussels (e.g., Margaritifera margaritifera), their interactions with host fish such as brown trout (Salmo trutta), and the impacts of environmental changes like climate shifts and habitat fragmentation. He has contributed to studies on mussel biology, fish behavior, and the effects of anthropogenic pressures such as dams and pollution. Key research themes include: 1) Conservation biology of endangered species through captive breeding and habitat restoration, 2) Effects of temperature and predation on fish development, 3) Mussel-parasite-host dynamics and their ecosystem roles, and 4) River management strategies for migratory fish. His work bridges ecology, genetics, and applied conservation, often involving field experiments and multi-institutional collaborations. Recent articles highlight studies on dam passage challenges for Atlantic salmon, cold tolerance in mussels, and the behavioral adaptations of fish under changing environmental conditions. He has also explored the role of mussels as indicators for water quality and ecosystem health. Collaborators include researchers from institutions across Europe, emphasizing transnational conservation efforts.

• Conservation Science
• Population Biology
• Species Monitoring
• +4 more

Emma L. Cartledge serves as a Research Fellow at Nottingham Trent University's School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences. Her work focuses on conservation biology with emphasis on species recovery and reintroduction programs. Her educational background includes a PhD from the University of Liverpool's Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences (2018-2023) and an MBiol from the University of York's Department of Biology (2013-2017). Dr. Cartledge's research centers on conservation science and population biology , particularly examining climate impacts on endangered species. Her work integrates environmental DNA techniques , remote sensing , and habitat modeling to develop evidence-based strategies for species recovery. Current projects investigate climate suitability for hazel dormice and refine reintroduction protocols. Her publication portfolio demonstrates consistent focus on small mammal conservation , with recent work analyzing climate change impacts on reintroduced populations and developing novel survey methodologies. Key trends include interdisciplinary approaches combining field ecology with geospatial technologies. Professional recognition includes peer review activities for Mammalian Biology . Dr. Cartledge collaborates extensively with conservation researchers across UK institutions, including University of Liverpool and University of York teams. Her current work supports evidence-based wildlife management through advanced monitoring techniques and predictive modeling.

Ann ThorntonView profile

Researcher

• Conservation Biology
• Biodiversity
• Marine Ecology
• +2 more

Dr. Ann Thornton is a Research Associate in the Conservation Science Group at the University of Cambridge's Department of Zoology. Her work focuses on evidence-based conservation science, with affiliations centered at the David Attenborough Building where she conducts interdisciplinary research addressing global biodiversity challenges. Her primary research examines: Threats to biodiversity from human activities including energy production, agriculture, and urbanization Climate change impacts on marine and terrestrial ecosystems Conservation interventions such as habitat restoration and protected area management Emerging conservation priorities through horizon scanning methodologies Thornton's extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on synthesizing conservation evidence, with recent work concentrated on systematic analyses of threats and solutions across global ecosystems. Her articles collectively address conservation policy frameworks, anthropogenic pressures, and resilience strategies in changing environments. As part of the Conservation Science Group, she collaborates within a research team focused on translating scientific evidence into practical conservation outcomes, though specific laboratory or project team details aren't provided.

Bob McCleeryView profile

Professor

• Mammalian conservation
• Invasive species ecology
• Endangered species management
• +5 more

Bob McCleery is a Professor in the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department at the University of Florida. He maintains an active research laboratory focused on mammalian conservation, global change ecology, and endangered species management. His work provides regional and international leadership in wildlife conservation with field sites in Florida and Swaziland. McCleery's research interests span mammalian conservation, invasive species ecology, endangered species management, and global change ecology. His lab conducts field research on topics including invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades, endangered rodent conservation, and the impacts of sea-level rise on coastal ecosystems. The lab emphasizes hands-on field research and has been recognized as one of the top 10 most awesome college labs of 2013 by Popular Science. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on conservation challenges, particularly regarding invasive species impacts on native wildlife. The research shows consistent themes in understanding predator-prey dynamics, species adaptation to environmental changes, and developing effective conservation strategies for threatened species. McCleery's work frequently bridges ecological research with practical conservation applications. One of the top 10 most awesome college labs of 2013 by Popular Science McCleery actively mentors graduate students, with recent lab members including Alex, Maggie, Rebecca, Storm, Coral, Jose, and Bryce. His lab has secured research funding for projects on invasive species, endangered mammals, and international conservation efforts. He leads a popular study abroad program in Swaziland that combines wildlife ecology with cultural understanding. The McCleery Lab maintains active field sites in Florida's natural areas and has established research partnerships in Swaziland. The lab utilizes advanced techniques including radio telemetry, camera trapping, and behavioral studies to address pressing conservation questions. Current research includes innovative approaches like robo-bunny technology to study predator-prey interactions with invasive pythons.

Blaire Van ValkenburghView profile

Research Professor

• Vertebrate Paleobiology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• +7 more

Professor Blaire Van Valkenburgh is a Distinguished Research Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, and holds the Donald R. Dickey Chair in Vertebrate Biology. She serves as Curator of the Donald R. Dickey Collection of Birds and Mammals and Associate Dean of Academic Programs in the Division of Life Sciences. Education: Ph.D. in Vertebrate Paleobiology, Johns Hopkins University (1984) Her research integrates vertebrate paleobiology, evolutionary ecology, and functional morphology, focusing on large carnivorous mammals. Key areas include macroevolutionary dynamics, feeding adaptations, nasal turbinate evolution, and molecular-morphological co-evolution in Carnivora. She has published over 110 works, including studies on dire wolves, sabertooth cats, and modern predator-prey systems. Recent publications highlight her interdisciplinary work in olfaction evolution, climate change impacts on predator guilds, and STEM pedagogy. She has received recognition as an Honorary Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences and a Fellow of the Paleontological Society. Scientific Awards: Honorary Fellow, California Academy of Sciences Fellow, Paleontological Society (2013) She has contributed to conservation initiatives, public education through documentaries, and NSF-funded projects like the CSBR grant for collection infrastructure. Her lab investigates predator ecology, morphological evolution, and extinction patterns.