Find Academic Supervisors

Andres SchmidtView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biogeochemical Modeling
• Machine Learning
• Wildfire Risk Assessment
• +2 more

Andres Schmidt is an Assistant Professor developing machine learning approaches for environmental challenges, including wildfire risk assessment and carbon cycle modeling. His research integrates process-based models with neural networks to analyze biogeophysical processes. Core methodologies: Bayesian-regularized neural networks for environmental prediction Geostatistical clustering for regional risk assessment Deep learning for post-fire recovery tracking Carbon flux optimization using observational networks Recent work (2016-2025) shows strong focus on wildfire applications (7 papers) and carbon-water cycle modeling (5 papers). Technical innovations include Bayesian-regularized ensembles for water contamination prediction, modular geostatistical frameworks for risk assessment, and convolutional networks for infrastructure recovery monitoring. Data integration: Leverages flux tower networks, aircraft campaigns, satellite imagery, and sensor arrays to train models across scales from Oregon forests to Indonesian peatlands.

David WoosterView profile

Associate Professor

• Stream Ecology
• Aquatic Invertebrate Biology
• Restoration Effectiveness Monitoring
• +2 more

David Wooster is an Associate Professor in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University's College of Agricultural Sciences. His research examines ecological responses to environmental stressors in aquatic systems, integrating field studies with conservation applications. Research spans stream ecology, invertebrate biology, and ecosystem restoration, with emphasis on water abstraction impacts, climate-agriculture interactions, and pollinator conservation. Recent work employs DNA metabarcoding to quantify pollinator foraging and assess habitat management outcomes. Publications advance understanding of disturbance ecology across scales, from microhabitat predator-prey dynamics to watershed-level climate impacts. Methodological innovations include DNA-based diet analysis and trait-based biomonitoring approaches.

Mitchell CowanView profile

Research Fellow

• Wildlife Ecology
• Movement Ecology
• Conservation Techniques
• +4 more

Mitchell Cowan is an Adjunct Research Fellow at Charles Darwin University's Faculty of Science and Technology, affiliated with the Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods. Concurrently, he serves as a research associate at the University of Western Australia. His research, supported by the NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub, focuses on spatial conservation prioritization in Kakadu National Park and wet-season burning outcomes. Dr. Cowan specializes in wildlife ecology with emphasis on: Movement and disturbance ecology of mammals, particularly northern quolls Conservation technique development Fire ecology and landscape management Endangered species recovery in mining-impacted regions His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on: Advanced monitoring technologies (camera traps, GPS tracking) Predator-prey dynamics in changing landscapes Fire disturbance impacts on marsupial ecology Evidence-based conservation strategies for threatened species Research is supported by the NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub, focusing on Kakadu National Park conservation initiatives and fire management practices.

Jason FreundView profile

Academic

• Stream Ecology
• Fisheries Ecology
• Trout Stream Habitat Management
• +1 more

Jason Freund is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. His contact information includes office hours, phone number 608.785.6455, and email jfreund@uwlax.edu. He teaches courses such as BIO 105 - General Biology and BIO 307 - Ecology. Education: B.S. in Biology from University of Wisconsin - Platteville M.S. and Ph.D. in Forest Resources Science / Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology and Management from West Virginia University Research focuses on Stream Ecology, Fisheries Ecology, Trout Stream Habitat Management, and Interactions between Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems. His work examines invasive species impacts, hormone dynamics in amphipods, and habitat restoration in mined watersheds. Recent publications span topics like leaf decomposition in streams, endocrine effects on aquatic invertebrates, and fish habitat use in river systems. His studies often integrate ecological processes across multiple spatial scales. Professional history includes a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Oklahoma State University. No awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the profile.

David SchumannView profile

Assistant Professor

• Fisheries Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Movement Ecology
• +3 more

David A. Schumann is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, affiliated with the River Studies Center. He holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from South Dakota State University (2017), an M.S. in Biology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney (2012), and a B.S. in Water Resources and Fisheries from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (2009). His research focuses on fisheries ecology and management, emphasizing applied solutions to conservation challenges in river systems, invasive species impacts, and movement ecology. Key areas of research include river reef structures for habitat enhancement, Bayesian modeling for species conservation prioritization, and the ecological effects of invasive species like silver carp. He collaborates widely, including co-authored studies on DNA extraction from formalin-fixed specimens and the effects of spiny water flea on sportfish in Minnesota. Schumann teaches courses such as Ichthyology, Ecology, and Marine Biology, integrating his research into undergraduate and graduate training. He leads the Applied Fish Ecology Lab, emphasizing ecological principles to address real-world aquatic conservation issues. His work bridges academic research and practical management, with a focus on riverscapes and aquatic connectivity. Professional Affiliations: River Studies Center, American Fisheries Society Recent Awards: Co-authorship on impactful studies in Letters in Biomathematics and North American Journal of Fisheries Management Grants and Funding: Implied through active research projects but not explicitly stated His lab’s research often involves innovative tagging techniques (e.g., PIT tags) and integrates landscape-level conservation with local ecosystem dynamics. Current projects explore grassland conservation’s indirect effects on aquatic ecosystems and the responses of prairie fish communities to habitat fragmentation.

• Physiological Ecology
• Marine Biology
• Seabird Behavior
• +3 more

Dr. Scott A. Shaffer is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at San José State University. His research focuses on the physiological ecology of vertebrates, particularly seabirds and marine mammals, emphasizing field metabolic rates and the application of tracking technologies like data-logging tags. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz (2000), and has conducted extensive studies on albatrosses, shearwaters, and other seabirds' foraging behaviors and habitat use. His work integrates biologging data with environmental variables to understand species' responses to climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Notable contributions include studies on migration patterns, bycatch mitigation, and the design of marine protected areas. Dr. Shaffer collaborates with global initiatives such as the Tagging of Pacific Pelagics (TOPP) program, advancing conservation through technological innovation. Recent research explores seabird interactions with wind patterns, ocean currents, and human activities. Publications highlight his expertise in avian energetics, spatial ecology, and conservation policy. While no formal student advisees are listed, his work engages interdisciplinary teams and international collaborations to address ecological challenges.

Dan BillerView profile

Professor

• Environmental Economics
• Infrastructure Economics
• Urban Economics
• +6 more

Dan Biller, Ph.D., is a Professor of Practice in Economics at Rollins College’s Crummer Graduate School of Business. Previously, he served in senior roles at the World Bank Group, including Manager of the Economics Unit at MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency), leading risk assessments and development impact analysis. He has held positions as Lead Economist in the World Bank’s South Asia and East Asia regions, OECD senior economist, and academic roles at universities in Brazil and elsewhere. Dr. Biller holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a B.S. in Economics with a Geophysics minor from the University of Kansas. His research focuses on environmental economics, infrastructure development, urban-rural linkages, and sustainable development. Notable works include co-editing The Oxford Encyclopedia of Environmental Economics (2022) and co-authoring methodologies for infrastructure investment prioritization in South Asia. His academic contributions span over four decades, addressing topics like biodiversity economics, climate change mitigation, and public-private partnerships. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical policy applications, emphasizing global development challenges and solutions. He has advised governments and international organizations on regulatory frameworks for mining, hydrocarbon sectors, and environmental policies. Research trends in his articles emphasize infrastructure’s role in economic growth, the economic implications of biodiversity loss, and sustainable development strategies in developing regions. Methodological innovations in risk assessment and policy prioritization underpin much of his recent work. Dr. Biller’s career combines academic rigor with extensive practitioner experience, focusing on translating economic principles into actionable policies for global development.

• freshwater ecology
• stable isotopes
• food webs
• +3 more

Dr. Emily Arsenault is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Biology at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and serves as Director of the Cranberry Lake Biological Station. She holds a PhD in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas, an MA from the same institution, and a BA from Colby College. Her research examines freshwater ecosystems through the lens of food web dynamics, stable isotope analysis, and carbon-energy flow. Specific interests include anthropogenic impacts on water quality, coastal sediment transport, and ecological responses to climate change in high-latitude systems. Her work spans diverse aquatic environments from Adirondack lakes to Mongolian rivers. Recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on intercontinental comparisons of aquatic ecosystems, employing geomorphological variables and isotope techniques to understand fish assemblage patterns and trophic interactions. Her articles frequently address methodological innovations in long-term ecological monitoring. Dr. Arsenault mentors graduate students researching brook trout foraging behavior, oxythermal habitat dynamics, and stream ecology. She leads the Arsenault Freshwater Ecology Lab, which studies environmental variability effects on food web properties and emphasizes climate change implications.

• Forest Ecology
• Landscape Ecology
• Social-Ecological Systems
• +3 more

Stacy McNulty is the Associate Director of Research at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF), based at the Newcomb Campus. She holds a PhD in Environmental Science (2023), an MS in Environmental and Forest Biology (1997), and a BA in Biology (1994). McNulty leads research initiatives at the Adirondack Ecological Center and Huntington Wildlife Forest, focusing on long-term ecological monitoring and applied conservation. Her research explores forest ecology, landscape dynamics, social-ecological systems, and biodiversity conservation in the Adirondack region. She employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and field studies to analyze impacts of recreation, development, and forest management on northern ecosystems. McNulty emphasizes participatory science and inclusivity, promoting opportunities for underrepresented students in field research. McNulty teaches specialized courses including EFB 484/684 Winter Ecology and mentors graduate/undergraduate researchers. She coordinates the Adirondack Long-Term Ecological Monitoring Program (ALTEMP), tracking salamanders, boreal birds, beaver activity, deer demographics, and forest phenology. Her publications reflect interdisciplinary work on boreal birds, amphibian conservation, forest diseases, and climate adaptation. She holds leadership roles in scientific organizations, including Past-President of the Organization of Biological Field Stations and co-founder of the Adirondack All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventory. McNulty serves on editorial boards and contributes to policy discussions on Adirondack conservation.

Keith GibbsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Aquatic Resource Management
• Environmental Science
• Conservation Biology
• +4 more

Dr. Keith Gibbs is an Assistant Professor at Western Carolina University's College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Tennessee Tech University. His teaching focuses on natural resources management, including courses like NRM 140 (Conservation & Management), NRM 210 (Methods in Management), and GEOL 455 (Wetlands). His research emphasizes aquatic resource protection and restoration in Western North Carolina, collaborating with regional partners to address water quality, ecological integrity, and biodiversity. Key projects include riverine restoration, land-use impacts on aquatic systems, and rare species conservation. Dr. Gibbs has published extensively on topics such as watershed prioritization, macroinvertebrate sampling efficacy, and fish assemblage responses to environmental changes. His work often involves field-based studies in Appalachian mountain streams and the Tennessee River Basin. Research trends in his articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding human and climatic impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Topics span restoration ecology, biodiversity conservation, and the effects of drought and urbanization on fish communities. Collaborative projects with organizations like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park demonstrate practical applications of his research. Dr. Gibbs actively engages in field-based education and applied conservation, aiming to bridge academic rigor with real-world environmental challenges. His teaching and research reflect a commitment to training students in applied natural resources management while advancing scientific understanding of aquatic systems. Current projects focus on improving watershed management strategies and enhancing sampling techniques for imperiled species.

• Archaeology
• Cultural Heritage Management
• Indigenous Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Annie Ross is an Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Social Science at the University of Queensland. Her work focuses on archaeology, cultural heritage management, and Indigenous knowledge systems. She has led collaborative projects involving Aboriginal communities in Australia, such as the Gummingurru Stone Arrangement Site Complex and K’gari (Fraser Island) heritage management. Ross’s research integrates material culture analysis with contemporary social issues, emphasizing decolonial methodologies and community engagement. Her research interests span archaeological theory, Indigenous rights in heritage management, and environmental stewardship. Notable contributions include studies on rock art narratives in Yanyuwa Country and analyses of stone arrangement sites’ socio-spiritual significance. She has also explored agrifood systems in Pacific Island nations, examining how informal practices contribute to sustainability. Ross’s publications include over 55 journal articles and 12 book chapters across archaeology, anthropology, and environmental studies. She frequently serves as an editorial board member for journals like Australian Archaeology . Her work bridges academic research with practical applications, advocating for Indigenous-led heritage frameworks and policy reforms. Her projects often involve interdisciplinary teams, such as the 2007 UQ Marovo Lagoon study in Solomon Islands, which integrated marine science, anthropology, and community management strategies. Ross also participates in educational initiatives, including web-based outreach tools to connect Indigenous communities with archaeological findings.

Kai M.A. ChanView profile

Professor

• Sustainability Science
• Ecosystem Services
• Cumulative Impacts Assessment
• +7 more

Dr. Kai M.A. Chan is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in Rewilding and Social-Ecological Transformation at the University of British Columbia's Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability (IRES), within the Faculty of Science. His interdisciplinary research focuses on sustainability science, integrating ecology, policy, and ethics. He leads the CHANS Lab (Connected Human-and-Natural Systems), exploring transformative changes to achieve socially just and ecologically vibrant systems. Education: Ph.D. and postdoctoral training at Princeton and Stanford Universities. Former roles include Fulbright Visiting Research Chair at UC Santa Barbara and leadership in global initiatives like the IPBES Global Assessment. Research Interests: Ecosystem services, rewilding, social-ecological resilience, and innovative conservation strategies. He emphasizes 'relational values'—how human-nature connections drive sustainability. Current projects include CoSphere, a movement for systemic change, and studies on urban ecosystems and climate impacts. Key Achievements: Coordinating Lead Author of the IPBES Global Assessment, Royal Society of Canada Fellow, and recipient of the Clean16 Award. Over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with focuses on biodiversity, policy, and transformative action. Supervises a dynamic lab of graduate students and postdocs, contributing to conservation science and policy. Awards: Leopold Leadership Fellow, Global Young Academy member, and co-founder of CoSphere. His work bridges science and activism, advocating for systemic shifts through initiatives like the 'Community of Small Planet Heroes.'

Suresh A. SethiView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Fisheries Ecology
• Aquatic Resource Management
• Applied Statistics
• +6 more

Suresh A. Sethi is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He leads the Sethi Lab, which focuses on quantitative fisheries ecology and applied ecological modeling to inform natural resource management. His work spans aquatic ecosystems from tropical to subarctic regions, integrating ecological and socioeconomic perspectives. Education: Doctorate (2011), Master’s (2007), and Bachelor’s (2001) in natural resource-related fields from the University of Washington-Seattle and University of Wisconsin-Madison. Research Interests: Population ecology, disturbance ecology, social-ecological systems management, and quantitative tool development. Key projects include climate adaptation strategies for Alaskan fisheries, river connectivity restoration, and invasive species control (e.g., round goby, Elodea). He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining computer science, genetics, and finance to address conservation challenges. Awards: Ulster University Excellence Award (2019) USGS Scientific Excellence Award (2017) Cornell Atkinson Center Faculty Fellow (2016–present) Grants & Collaborations: Collaborates with institutions like the NY Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit and the Paulson Institute. His lab develops tools for ecosystem valuation, including biodiversity financing frameworks and DNA-based population assessments. Active in fieldwork across diverse ecosystems, from the Amazon to Lake Superior. Labs/Teams: Directs the Sethi Lab, part of Cornell’s Natural Resources Department, focusing on data-driven solutions for fisheries and aquatic ecosystems. Hosts opportunities for graduate students and researchers in quantitative ecology and conservation finance.

Valerie HaggerView profile

Research Fellow

• Coastal Ecosystem Conservation
• Mangrove Restoration
• Blue Carbon
• +3 more

Dr. Valerie Hagger is a Research Fellow at the School of the Environment, The University of Queensland. Her work focuses on coastal ecosystem conservation and restoration, particularly mangrove ecosystems and blue carbon initiatives. She holds an AXA-UNESCO research fellowship and co-leads projects under the National Environmental Science Program (NESP) and Australian Research Council (ARC). Her research addresses the social-ecological drivers of mangrove loss/gain, restoration effectiveness, and co-benefits for biodiversity, fisheries, and climate mitigation. Education: PhD in Ecological Restoration from The University of Queensland (2020). Research Interests: Coastal wetland restoration, mangrove community forestry, carbon abatement, and biodiversity enhancement. She develops frameworks for measuring verified biodiversity benefits in restoration projects and contributes to international guidelines (e.g., mangrove restoration protocols with Conservation International). Notable Projects: Lead investigator for NESP projects on wetland restoration in Australia. Co-developer of the Australian Blue Carbon Method for climate mitigation. Contributor to UN Ocean Decade initiatives and the Global Mangrove Restoration Tracker. Awards: AXA-UNESCO Research Fellowship (2020–present) Grants and Collaborations: Works with CSIRO, The Nature Conservancy, Healthy Land and Water, and international organizations like Conservation International. Her research bridges policy, ecology, and community engagement to support resilient coastal livelihoods. Labs/Teams: Active in restoration ecology networks, including the Society of Ecological Restoration Australasia and Australia’s Restoration Decade Alliance.

Carissa KleinView profile

Associate Professor

• Conservation Science
• Marine Spatial Planning
• Sustainable Seafood
• +4 more

Carissa Klein is an Associate Professor and Principal Research Fellow at The University of Queensland's School of the Environment. She leads the Ocean Conservation Team, focusing on marine and coastal conservation through interdisciplinary research addressing ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Her work emphasizes land-sea conservation planning, marine spatial zoning, and sustainable seafood practices. She has advised numerous organizations and governments, including Sabah Parks and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Dr. Klein holds degrees in Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Science and Management (MS), and a PhD in Conservation Science from The University of California, Santa Barbara and The University of Queensland. Her research has received international recognition, including the ASPIRE Prize and the Sir Keith Murdoch Fellowship. She collaborates globally to integrate conservation science with policy, fostering solutions that balance human needs and ecological preservation. Her team’s research spans marine megafauna vulnerability assessments, fisheries governance, and coral reef protection. Key recent contributions include frameworks for combating illegal fishing and improving sanitation for reefs. She advises on the design of marine protected areas and has pioneered tools like Marxan with Zones software for spatial conservation prioritization. Dr. Klein’s work intersects with policy, equity, and economics, aiming to achieve conservation outcomes that are socially just and ecologically effective. She advocates for inclusive conservation practices and the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems.