Translational Ecology
is an sub-discipline of ecology where science communication, inter-discipline dialogue, and action-oriented research are centered as necessary approaches to address current climate and ecological crises. I have had a passion for scientific communication since I first began my career as a scientist, and have studied and practiced cross-group dialogue in my Native Peoples and the Environment minor coursework at SUNY-ESF. I continue to exercise this passion through public webinars with the North Branch Nature Center (Vermont) and Teton Plants (Wyoming), as well as writing published in ‘Edge Effects’ and periodical newsletters with the Gathering Growth Foundation. Translational ecology is a framework within which I will continue to communicate my science, collaborate across boundaries, and be an activist for change. Learn more about translational ecology in this special issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment.
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While studying abroad in Chilean Patagonia with Round River Conservation Studies, I was privileged to be part of a scientific expedition through the upper Pascua River valley. The Pascua River drains Lago O'Higgins, the deepest lake in the Americas. This fact, combined with steep valley walls rising on either side for much of its length, made it a target for intense hydroelectric development. Fortunately, through the efforts of local people allied with powerful conservationists, the project was shut down and the waters remain unencumbered. In an effort to illustrate the vast ecological importance of the Pascua River, Round River has recently focused it's efforts on cataloging the biodiversity of the region and evaluating the health of huemul deer populations in the river valley. I and another student created the below video blog to document our epic 10-day excursion as a part of this effort.
For three years, Round River student teams have attempted to complete a biodiversity survey of the upper Pascua River watershed from Lago Quetru to Lago O’Higgins, a wild area recently threatened with heavy development. After ten days in the field braving snow, rain, steep mountains and river crossings, Team Zorro has gained a better understanding of this place and themselves.
photo
Our planet possesses an incredible abundance of life. A key component of my research has been understanding how changing global drivers and altered environmental conditions have already and will continue to impact this life, with particular emphasis on plant communities. As a part of this, I see photography as an excellent way to document the organisms I study and display the full range of diversity that is currently being threatened by human-driven ecological change. Check out more on my photography page.
A subset of the flora seen in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem during the summer of 2020.
Audio
Podcast’s have exploded as a form of entertainment, communication, and education. As part of my training in Translational Ecology, I’ve taken numerous opportunities to put together podcast episodes as outreach for broad audiences.
In December 2022, I got to put these skills into practice, where I created an audio version of an essay I wrote for ‘Edge Effects’, a digital magazine for the Center for Culture, History and Environment at UW-Madison. In it, I spend time reflecting on a six-week field season spent in Greater Yellowstone studying post-fire forest recovery and consider what the future of this landscape might look like. Check it out here!
