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Dr. Neil H. Carter, Associate Professor, PI of Conservation & Coexistence Group
My research is highly interdisciplinary and utilizes field-based, quantitative, and conceptual approaches to understand complex feedbacks among people, wildlife, and ecosystems. I strive to conduct actionable research that advances science and informs decision makers on ways to conserve biodiversity while also sustain (and improve) human well-being. Research interests include: Complexity of socio-environmental systems, sustainability science, wildlife ecology, landscape ecology, conservation ecology, and human dimensions of wildlife management. E-mail: nhcarter@umich.edu Education: Postdoctoral Fellow – National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (2013 - 2015) Ph.D., Fisheries & Wildlife; Michigan State University (2013) M.S., Terrestrial Ecology; University of Michigan (2007) B.S., Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution; University of California, San Diego (2003) |
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Current Conservation & Coexistence Group Members
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Evan C. Wilson, Ph.D., Post-doctoral Research Fellow
I am a wildlife ecologist whose research focuses broadly on how anthropogenic activity alters biotic interactions and affects the population dynamics and spatial distribution of wildlife species. I primarily study mammals, and much of my previous work examines the direct and indirect effects of changing snow conditions on community dynamics in northern forest ecosystems. My research uses a variety of methods, including radio-telemetry, camera trapping, modelling, and stable isotope analysis, to increase our understanding of the mechanisms driving global change and identifying conservation strategies at local and regional scales. My current project is aimed at understanding how climate change and private land management are projected to alter habitat and contribute to range shifts of wildlife species. E-mail: evwilson@umich.edu Education: Ph.D., Wildlife Ecology; University of Wisconsin (2021) M.S., Environment & Natural Resources; The Ohio State University (2012) B.S., Biology; Grand Valley State University (2004) |
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Leandra Merz, Ph.D., Post-doctoral Research Fellow
I am an interdisciplinary scientist studying human-environment interactions with the goal of promoting human wildlife coexistence. I use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods from geography, ecology, anthropology, and sociology to better understand complex social-ecological systems. I strive to ensure my research is applied to conservation by working with practitioners in the field. Areas of interest include: community based natural resource management, human dimensions of wildlife conservation, human-wildlife conflict, land change science, coupled human and wildlife systems, tropical conservation, and African studies. My current project is focused on modeling social-ecological systems of rangelands in the western United States. E-mail: leamerz@umich.edu Education: Ph.D., Geography; University of Florida (2022) M.D.P., Sustainable Development; University of Florida (2014) B.S., Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; University of Florida (2008) |
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Martin Leclerc, Ph.D., Post-doctoral Research Fellow
I am a wildlife biologist trying to quantify the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on wildlife behavior, demography, and ultimately evolution. My research focus mainly on large mammals and uses geomatic, genetic, and statistical tools. I previously worked on the impacts of hunting on brown bear ecology and evolution, the behavioral responses of migratory caribou to climate change, and the effects of land use changes on caribou behavior and survival. As a member of the Conservation & Coexistence lab, I am working on wildlife responses to droughts and fire in the American West. E-mail: mleclerc@umich.edu Education: Ph.D., Biology; Université de Sherbrooke, Canada (2018) M.Sc., Wildlife management; Université du Québec à Rimouski, Canada (2013) B.Sc., Biology; Université de Sherbrooke, Canada (2009) |
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Tara Easter, PhD Student, Resource Ecology Management
I am a human-environment systems researcher interested in the efficacy and politics of wildlife conservation and management. My dissertation research investigates the intersection between legal, commercial turtle harvest, illegal turtle trapping and trade, and different turtle trapping regulations among states in the Southeast US. My work draws from geography, social-ecological systems, and conservation criminology, and utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methods. With this work and future endeavors, I hope to advance applied conservation research to better incorporate underlying political and cultural interactions and improve policymaking. E-mail: tseaster@umich.edu Education: M.S., Biology; Boise State University (2018) B.S., Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation; North Carolina State University (2012) |
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Kirby Mills (she/her), PhD Student (co-advised by Dr. Nate Sanders), Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
My goal as a researcher of applied wildlife ecology is to use fundamental concepts in ecology to address complex wildlife conservation issues. My primary academic interests lie in predator-prey interactions, competition, and trophic ecology of large carnivores. Through this lens, I ask research questions related to human-wildlife conflict and large carnivore behavioral responses to anthropogenic disturbance. My dissertation research focuses on African carnivores, primarily the African lion, and I will be investigating the impacts of human pressures (such as the overall human footprint and landscape management decisions) on lion behaviors and predation of livestock. Email: kimills@umich.edu Education: M.S., Conservation Ecology; University of Michigan (2019) B.S., Environmental Sustainability; University of Oklahoma (2017) |
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Amy Zuckerwise, PhD Student, Resource Ecology & Management
I am a wildlife scientist interested in the ecology and conservation of felids within socio-ecological systems. My dissertation focuses on the impacts of road development on Bengal tigers in the Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal. I plan to utilize research methods from both ecology and social science, from satellite tracking of tiger movement and spatial modeling to participatory study design and holistic system analysis. My research aims to contribute strategies to mitigate the impacts of development on wildlife as well as promote the role of indigenous and local partnerships in effective and equitable conservation. Email: ameliaz@umich.edu Education: Master of Environmental Science; Yale University (2020) B.S., Biology; Stanford University (2015) |
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Rachel Darling, MSc Student, Conservation Ecology
With an ever increasing understanding of humanity's dependence on natural systems for survival via innumerable ecosystem services, my research focuses on the impacts of anthropogenic habitat degradation on wildlife. More specifically, I am interested in the effects of the built environment on the survival and fitness of avian species, and the effective mitigation of sensory pollutants in their environments. My master's thesis research aims to use geospatial modeling to examine potential impacts of increasing anthropogenic light and noise on ecosystem services provided by birds in the contiguous United States. Email: radarlin@umich.edu Education: B.A., Psychology; Spring Arbor University (2010) |
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Ella Hartshorn (she/her), MSc Student, Ecosystem Science & Management
My background in environmental science informs the systems lens through which I approach wildlife conservation and management. I am interested in applying geospatial data science and other qualitative methods to answer questions in wildlife and landscape ecology to inform participatory conservation solutions. My master’s thesis is an analysis of the potential mitigating effects different types of land tenure, specifically Indigenous Peoples’ lands, have on the intensity of aggregated human pressures and species extinction risk. This global study, with highlighted case studies providing critical fine scale context, aims to promote equitable human-centered conservation. Email: ellahart@umich.edu Education: B.A., Environmental Science; Colorado College (2020) |
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Madeline Standen (she/her), MSc Student, Ecosystem Science & Management
I am interested in understanding the role that animal behavior plays in species’ resilience to various types of anthropogenic disturbances. My master's thesis research investigates how environmental predictability and human presence influence the space use and migratory behaviors of mule deer in Utah. I am also examining how the presence and utilization of anthropogenic resources may disrupt the use of current environmental information or memory of suitable areas in determining yearly individual migratory strategy or destination. E-mail: madip@umich.edu Education: B.S., Animal Behavior; Bucknell University (2019) |
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Graduates
2022 - Ethan Hiltner, MS in Geospatial Data Science (UM SEAS)
Changing snow conditions and shifts in American Marten (Martes americana) occurrence in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
2022 - Kaitlyn Frank, MS in Geospatial Data Science (UM SEAS)
Landscape predictors of mule deer road crossing behavior in the American Southwest
2021 - Alexander Killion, PhD in Resource Ecology & Management (UM SEAS)
Coexisting with wildlife in shared landscapes: an interdisciplinary assessment to inform conservation
2021 - Edward Leal Trout, MS in Biology (Boise State)
Corridors for coexistence: evaluating spatiotemporal impacts of livestock on wildlife community dynamics
2020 - Natalie Madden, MS in Conservation Ecology (UM SEAS)
How traits affect bird responses to anthropogenic noise - a meta-analysis
2019 - Abigail Sage, MS in Biology (Boise State)
Integrating social dimensions into spatial connectivity planning for grizzly bears
2018 - Tara Easter, MS in Biology (Boise State)
Quantifying mammalian interactions and distributions to inform conservation planning in Mozambique
Changing snow conditions and shifts in American Marten (Martes americana) occurrence in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
2022 - Kaitlyn Frank, MS in Geospatial Data Science (UM SEAS)
Landscape predictors of mule deer road crossing behavior in the American Southwest
2021 - Alexander Killion, PhD in Resource Ecology & Management (UM SEAS)
Coexisting with wildlife in shared landscapes: an interdisciplinary assessment to inform conservation
2021 - Edward Leal Trout, MS in Biology (Boise State)
Corridors for coexistence: evaluating spatiotemporal impacts of livestock on wildlife community dynamics
2020 - Natalie Madden, MS in Conservation Ecology (UM SEAS)
How traits affect bird responses to anthropogenic noise - a meta-analysis
2019 - Abigail Sage, MS in Biology (Boise State)
Integrating social dimensions into spatial connectivity planning for grizzly bears
2018 - Tara Easter, MS in Biology (Boise State)
Quantifying mammalian interactions and distributions to inform conservation planning in Mozambique
Former Group Members (Boise State)
Dr. Mark Ditmer, Postdoctoral Researcher, UM-SEAS (2018-2020)
Dr. Michael J Poulos, Postdoctoral Researcher, Boise State (2016-2017)
Dr. Rose Graves, Postdoctoral Researcher, Boise State (2017-2018)
Udaya Jayawardhana, MSc, Research Assistant (2016-2018)
Sarah Coose, B.S. Student, Research Assistant (2019)
Jessica Mueller, B.S. Student, Research Assistant (2018)
Anna Roser, Postbaccalaureate Student, Research Assistant (2018)
Javier Luna, B.A. Student, Research Assistant (2017)
Julie Ramirez, B.S. Student, Research Assistant (2017-2019)
Dr. Michael J Poulos, Postdoctoral Researcher, Boise State (2016-2017)
Dr. Rose Graves, Postdoctoral Researcher, Boise State (2017-2018)
Udaya Jayawardhana, MSc, Research Assistant (2016-2018)
Sarah Coose, B.S. Student, Research Assistant (2019)
Jessica Mueller, B.S. Student, Research Assistant (2018)
Anna Roser, Postbaccalaureate Student, Research Assistant (2018)
Javier Luna, B.A. Student, Research Assistant (2017)
Julie Ramirez, B.S. Student, Research Assistant (2017-2019)
