Brett Jesmer

Brett Jesmer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources and Environment. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming (2018), an M.S. from SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry (2006), and an A.A.S. from SUNY (2003).

His research focuses on behavioral ecology, animal movement, and conservation of mammals. Key projects include studying white-tailed deer ecology in Belize and Virginia, wildlife habitat connectivity modeling, and leveraging animal tracking data to address global conservation challenges. Jesmer pioneered investigations into the cultural transmission of ungulate migration routes, demonstrating social learning mechanisms in translocated populations.

Jesmer’s work integrates physiological, demographic, and ecological data to inform conservation strategies. He co-led the COVID-19 Biologging Initiative, analyzing how pandemic-induced human mobility changes affected wildlife behavior. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Science and Nature Ecology and Evolution.

Teaching responsibilities include courses like Principles of Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Movement Ecology. He advises graduate students exploring topics like ungulate migration dynamics and spatial personalities.

Current projects emphasize advancing community ecology through animal tracking data and applying life history theory to detect resource limitations. Jesmer collaborates internationally on initiatives like the Convention on Migratory Species and the Biological Earth Observation Network (with animal sensors).