معرفی
Dr. Sophie Williams is an Honorary Lecturer in the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences at Bangor University. Her research bridges ecology and socio-economic systems, focusing on plant conservation, the role of botanic gardens, and human behavior in environmental decision-making. She has collaborated with BGCI and conducted fieldwork in regions such as Guatemala, Belize, China, Jamaica, and Madagascar.
Her research interests include:
- Plant conservation and sustainable harvesting
- Socio-ecological interactions in conservation
- Environmental education and behavioral change
- Wildlife trade and consumer behavior
- Invasive species and livelihoods
- Policy implementation in biodiversity conservation
Her recent publications (2012–2018) reveal a consistent focus on integrating social science into conservation biology. Her work analyzes the trade of ornamental orchids in China, environmental education in Madagascar, cultivation effects on wild plant harvesting, and socio-economic drivers of invasive species in Jamaica. These studies highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining ecology, economics, and psychology.
Scientific contributions include:
- Developing a bio-economic model for Xate palm harvesting
- Assessing policy uptake in botanic gardens
- Investigating consumer preferences in illegal plant trade
- Measuring the impact of training programs on conservation behavior
Dr. Williams is a member of the SNS Conservation Research Group (Conservation@Bangor) and continues to engage in academic discussions despite a severe brain injury that currently limits her research capacity. She emphasizes the importance of a supportive working environment, including the role of music in cognitive and emotional well-being. While not actively producing new research at the same pace, she remains intellectually engaged and committed to conservation science.
