Barbara Avers

Barbara Avers serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources while holding a full-time position as Waterfowl and Wetland Specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) Wildlife Division since 2008.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Fisheries and Wildlife (Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management) from Michigan State University, an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University, and a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University.

Dr. Avers' research centers on human dimensions of wildlife conservation, with emphasis on stakeholder engagement in waterfowl management and wetland stewardship. Her work bridges ecological science and social science to develop sustainable wildlife policies, particularly examining public support for conservation areas intensively managed for waterfowl hunting.

Her recent publication analyzing user values in coastal wildlife management areas represents a growing interdisciplinary trend that integrates social science methodologies into traditional wildlife management frameworks to address human-wildlife conflicts and enhance public participation.

No specific scientific awards were documented in the source materials.

While formal advisees aren't listed, her adjunct professorship and committee leadership roles indicate active mentorship. Her MDNR position involves managing partnerships for large-scale wetland restoration projects, though specific grant details weren't provided.

Dr. Avers chairs the North American Waterfowl Management Plan Human Dimensions-Public Engagement Team and serves on the Mississippi Flyway Council Technical Section and Unified Science Team, driving collaborative conservation strategies across state and national boundaries.