Lena Fletcher

Lena Fletcher is a Senior Lecturer II and Program Director in the Natural Resources Conservation (NRC) program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, within the Department of Environmental Conservation, College of Natural Sciences. She is actively involved in undergraduate teaching, advising, and program leadership, with a strong commitment to inclusive, equitable, and contemplative pedagogy. Her work fosters student-driven learning through civic engagement and team-based instruction in environmental conservation and sustainability sciences.

Her primary research and academic interests include:

• Forest ecology and old-growth forests
• Invasive species and ecological change over time
• Environmental conservation and sustainability science
• Contemplative and active learning pedagogies
• Climate change education and citizen science
• Science education for K–12 STEM teachers

The recent publications reflect a strong interdisciplinary focus on applying technology and community engagement to environmental challenges. Trends include using smartphone-based tools for invasive species identification, exploring structural retention in forest regeneration, and assessing landowner participation in carbon markets. Her work bridges ecological science with practical, community-oriented solutions and innovative teaching methods.

Her scientific contributions and leadership have been recognized through multiple fellowships:

• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (2024–2026)
• Inclusive Excellence Program (2021–2022)
• Sustainability Curriculum Fellowship (2019–2020)
• Fellowships for Innovative Teaching (2014–2015)
• Civic Engagement and Service Learning Fellowship (2014–2015)

Lena leads key educational initiatives such as the Contemplative Pedagogy Group and was the Campus Program Leader for the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program (2019–2024). She has not advised graduate students, focusing instead on undergraduate mentorship, curriculum development, and community outreach through programs like the Environmental Community Outreach Club and the 'Outsmart Invasive Species' project. She has also contributed to major professional reports on Massachusetts forest reserves and long-term ecological monitoring.

She is actively involved in lab and team-based educational programs such as the iCons (Integrated Concentration in Science) program and leads field-based and online courses that integrate contemplative practices and civic engagement. Her leadership extends to curriculum initiatives promoting sustainability and inclusive excellence across the campus.