Neil Carter

Dr. Neil Carter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Conservation + Restoration at the University of Michigan, specializing in Geospatial Data Sciences. His research focuses on the interdisciplinary study of human-wildlife interactions, spatial ecology, and conservation policy. He employs spatial techniques, remote sensing, and simulation modeling to address global challenges such as food insecurity, wildlife management, and biodiversity conservation.

Key research interests include spatial ecology, landscape ecology, and human dimensions of wildlife management. His work spans diverse regions, including the American West, Nepal, Mozambique, and Botswana. Projects emphasize solutions for human-wildlife coexistence, such as mitigating livestock depredation and designing conservation strategies amid climate change.

Dr. Carter’s recent studies highlight the impacts of sensory pollution (light/noise), infrastructure development, and policy frameworks on wildlife behavior and conservation outcomes. He advocates for integrated approaches that merge ecological data with social science to inform policymaking and sustainable development.

His collaborative projects include initiatives like SNAPSHOT USA—a national camera trap survey—and Paths of Coexistence, which models public acceptance of grizzly bear reintroduction. He stresses the importance of addressing trade-offs between human needs and wildlife conservation in rapidly changing landscapes.