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Director of Conservation Science
Background:
Elizabeth has spent the last 19 years involved in biological research
and conservation, which includes a Ph.D. from the University of Washington
(with National Academy of Sciences professor Gordon Orians) and an
A.B. from Harvard University. Her work has focused on avian ecology,
genetics, and the conservation of temperate, tropical and island biodiversity.
One of Elizabeth’s lifelong interests has been how local conservation
efforts can translate into more effective conservation at the global
scale, which has led to research projects around the world. Her studies
include investigating the reproductive behavior and genetics of shorebirds
in the Great Basin, studying the genetic diversity of primates in
Sulawesi, Indonesia, observing reproduction and aggression in Magellanic
penguins in Argentina, and assisting with studies of several invertebrate
species in the rain forests of Costa Rica and Peru.
Prior to joining the Conservancy's California Chapter in 2000, Elizabeth
held a joint position with the University of Hawaii and USGS-BRD,
where she investigated factors limiting the size and distribution
of endangered Hawaiian forest birds. She also served as faculty at
the University of Nevada Reno and San Francisco State University.
Elizabeth has published papers in a number of journals and books,
including Conservation Biology, Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution,
Animal Behavior, and Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology.
Current Projects/Professional Focus:
Elizabeth currently serves as the Director of Conservation Science
for The Nature Conservancy’s Washington Chapter. In this role,
she is responsible for providing science-based leadership and direction
for conservation activities throughout the state. Elizabeth supervises
a large science staff involved in ecoregional and site planning and
on-the-ground stewardship, restoration and research. Her current projects
focus on the topics of incorporating climate change impacts into planning
and management work, developing cost-effective methods of landscape
scale restoration, and setting priorities for conservation action.
Much of this work involves forming strategic partnerships with governmental,
non-governmental and academic partners. Elizabeth serves on WDNR’s
Natural Heritage Advisory Council, as well as the Pacific North America’s
Conservation Leadership team, which addresses issues of regional and
global significance. She is currently a John C. Sawhill Leadership
Fellow.
Fun Fact:
Elizabeth’s new personal goal is to visit all the entries in
her book “1000 Places to See Before You Die.” Most recently,
this led her and her family to participate in the spring equinox celebration
at the Mayan temple of Chitchen Itza in Mexico. Next location? Stay
tuned...
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