Laura Cisneros

Dr. Laura Cisneros is an Associate Professor in the Department of Natural Resources & the Environment at the University of Connecticut. She serves as the Director of UConn’s Natural Resources Conservation Academy (NRCA), leading initiatives in place-based environmental action programs.

Education

• PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut (2014)
• BS in Zoology, Michigan State University (2006)

Research Interests
Dr. Cisneros focuses on integrating intergenerational (teen-adult teams) community conservation projects with geospatial technology, emphasizing equitable and culturally sustaining engagement. Her work explores how these programs enhance student achievement, civic engagement, and environmental problem-solving capacity.

Scientific Contributions
Her 14 articles (2023–2015) span Environmental Education and Landscape Ecology, including studies on pandemic-era program adaptation, STEM identity development, NGSS curriculum design, and biodiversity responses to habitat fragmentation in tropical bat communities. Key subfields include Intergenerational Learning, Geospatial Technology, Metacommunity Dynamics, and Anthropogenic Landscapes.