Taylor Ricketts

Professor, Rubenstein School & Director, Gund institute

Taylor.Ricketts@uvm.edu

I'm interested in connecting rigorous interdisciplinary research with real-world conservation problems, both in Vermont and worldwide. My recent focus has been the economic and health benefits provided to people by forests, wetlands, reefs, and other natural areas. I work on understanding how ecosystems provide these benefits, what they are worth (and to whom), and how they might change in the future. Other interests include global patterns of biodiversity, ecological economics, and community and landscape ecology. I went to college at Dartmouth (Earth Sciences) and got my PhD at Stanford (Biology). I directed the Conservation Science Program at World Wildlife Fund for nine years before moving to UVM in 2011. In addition to my faculty post in the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, I direct the Gund Institute at UVM.

Humberto M. Romero Uribe | Post-doctoral associate

humberto.romero-uribe@uvm.edu

As a biologist, I specialize in quantifying carbon dynamics across ecosystems and land uses, exploring the impacts of ecosystem degradation and land-use intensification on ecosystem services and socio-ecological interactions. My goal is to translate scientific findings into practical sustainability solutions. As a postdoctoral researcher at UVM, I'll focus on studying smallholder coffee farms' potential in climate change mitigation and adaptation by devising carbon removal strategies and payment models that incentivize sustainable practices among coffee farmers. Link to my Research Gate

Jessica A. Balerna | Post-Doctoral Associate (co-advised with Brendan Fisher and Beverley Wemple)

Jessica.Balerna@uvm.edu

I'm an interdisciplinary research scientist whose interests span freshwater ecology, biogeochemistry, environmental anthropology, and social hydrology. I most often ask questions about how human interactions directly and indirectly shape freshwater systems with a goal of helping communities sustainably manage their freshwater resources. As a postdoctoral researcher at UVM, I will be studying how and where climate change has exacerbated flood risks and the social and ecological consequences of such changes. Link to my Website | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Craig (cJ) Sands | MS Student

csands1@uvm.edu

I am passionate about exploring the spatiotemporal dynamics of native bees in agroecological landscapes to inform impactful conservation practices. As a graduate student at the University of Vermont, my research focuses on the interactions, distribution, and diversity of native bee species in rural farms and urban gardens. Alongside my M.S. in Food Systems, I am pursuing a Certificate of Graduate Study in Agroecology at UVM and a Master Melittologist certificate through Oregon State University Extension. Link to my LinkedIn

Carina Manitius | PhD Student (Co-advised with Asim Zia)

carina.manitius@uvm.edu

I am interested in understanding the social and economic impacts of nature and conservation policy to support the development of a just transition for nature. My research at UVM will focus on understanding the potential distributional impacts of expanding protected areas, especially on the agricultural sector and food systems. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time outdoors hiking, cycling, and swimming. Link to my LinkedIn

Anna Maassel | Phd student

anna.maassel@uvm.edu

I am interested in understanding the intricate relationships between global environmental challenges and human health. My research at UVM will focus on quantifying the value of nature’s benefits to people in order to empower diverse stakeholders to take real action. In my spare time, you can find me in the mountains, hiking and camping with my dog, Wren.

Leslie Spencer | PhD student (co-advised with Stephanie Hurley)

Leslie.Spencer@uvm.edu

My research focuses on wild bees in farmscapes, and how we can better manage/design these spaces for pollinators. I am also pursuing the Education for Sustainability graduate certificate offered through UVM & the Shelburne Farms Institute for Sustainable Schools. I do natural history education work with Grow Wild, a network of folks in Burlington seeking to increase biodiversity and climate resilience by supporting the creation of more native plant and pollinator habitat. Link to my LinkedIn | Twitter

Aura M. alonso-Rodriguez | Phd Student

Aura.Alonso-Rodriguez@uvm.edu

One of my main goals as a scientist is to apply ecological research to solving real-world problems in tropical landscapes. As a graduate student at UVM, my research focuses on assessing how ecological and agricultural systems respond and adapt to disturbances such as hurricanes. My goal is to help build more resilient and equitable socio-ecological systems by collaborating across disciplines and partnering with decision-makers for greater impact. Link to my Google Scholar | Twitter | LinkedIn