Meet the Advisory Board of the UW Biodiversity Conservation and Management Program

Education: B.S., Biology, Alverno College, Wisconsin

I began my career at the School of Freshwater Sciences in Milwaukee, where I developed a strong foundation in aquatic research and water quality. In academia, my work included investigating fish species in Lake Michigan, including evaluating the reproductive success of round goby and declining yellow perch populations. I also studied the effects of pharmaceuticals on embryonic fish at the University of California, Riverside, and contributed to interdisciplinary research at the University of Southern California, supporting deep-sea microbial studies through the Center for Dark Energy. I later combined this academic background with consulting, working with both small firms and global organizations, including ERM and now Ramboll, to assess the impacts of infrastructure development and decommissioning on ecosystems health.

Currently, I am a Principal at Ramboll, specializing in impact assessment and nature-based solutions that advance water stewardship and environmental sustainability. With over two decades of experience, my work centers on protecting and restoring ecosystems across coastal, offshore, and terrestrial environments. Trained as an ecologist, I bring a deep commitment to biodiversity conservation and the responsible management of natural resources. I am particularly focused on developing solutions that balance infrastructure and development needs with long-term environmental protection and resilience. I have led and contributed to projects across regions worldwide, including North and South America, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe, with particular emphasis on the Great Lakes Basin.

"I chose to work in ecology and conservation because I’ve seen firsthand how closely communities and ecosystems are connected, from the Great Lakes to coastal systems around the world. They depend on each other for their livelihood. For students entering this field, stay curious and open to different paths - some of the most impactful work happens where science, policy, and real-world problem-solving come together. Your ability to translate science into action will make a lasting difference."

Education: Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy, UW-Green Bay

I started my career at UW-Green Bay with the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity (CCB) as an undergraduate. My first field job was censusing the Wabikon Forest Dynamics Plot with CCB near the Mole Lake Community in northern Wisconsin. From there, I continued pestering (surveying) Great Lakes biological communities, ranging from birds and amphibians along Lake Michigan and Huron to non-local fishes and invertebrates in the Lake Superior basin. I was then fortunate to do my master's at UW-Green Bay in the Environmental Science and Policy program, where I studied the relationship between fish-eating birds and regional fish communities.

My primary role at GLIFWC is to coordinate the Commission's fish population assessments throughout the Ceded Territories of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This includes adult walleye population estimates in the spring, juvenile walleye and other gamefish assessments in the fall, and other sampling as needed to assist with the research and fisheries stewardship objectives of the Commission and its member tribes.

"The esteemed Valerie Frizzle said it best: take chances, make mistakes, get messy. Whether you're freshly out of undergrad or pursuing your master's after years in the field, don't be bashful about reinvigorating the curiosity that inspired you to be a scientist in the first place. Try new things, meet new people. Science is ever evolving—it'll all benefit your work somehow."

Education: MS Soils and Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison

My forestry career has gone from field forester at Menominee Tribal Enterprises, consulting forester with American Forest Management to forester, area forestry leader, and section chief with WI Department of Natural Resources. After that I started with the nature center as the land manager. Working with people is always part of the job and an important one for success, but being outside in any kind of weather and all varieties of ecosystems is rewarding.

I have been in the director role at Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve since 2024. I manage this non-profit organization with 5 full-time staff and two part-time staff. We also depend on lots of talented volunteers of all ages. We manage almost 1500 acres and provide educational opportunities all year round.

"I chose to work in conservation because 1. yes, I like to be outside and 2. it is critical for us to understand and work with nature in a respectful and sustainable approach. This respect supports all creatures, not just humans."

Education: MS - University of Wisconsin-Madison

I have worked for the Wisconsin Chapter of The Nature Conservancy since 1994 in various local, statewide and Great Lakes and upper Midwest regional initiatives. This work has included conservation project planning and management, biological surveys, conservation land acquisition, government relations, community education and outreach, and fundraising.

Currently, I work with multiple governmental agencies and nonprofit partner conservation organizations on the hydrologic and ecologic rehabilitation of the East River (northeast Wisconsin) watershed. I also work in the Door Peninsula of northeast Wisconsin on land management and biological survey projects.

"The influence of family, writers and strangers nurtured a concern for fellow living beings, and I found the work and colleagues fit my personality. This work brought me closer to the beings I love, and offered a way to help those places and creatures that I could see were in distress."

Education: MS in Wildlife Management, UW-Stevens Point

I was a field wildlife biologist for Door, Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties on Wisconsin's east coast for 15 years before becoming the program's District Supervisor for Northeast WI from 2007 to 2021. I completed my career as the statewide deer program specialist through 2025. My field career focused on habitat and species management, while the second half of my career focused more on public outreach and policy development. )

I recently retired after 38 years working in the field of Wildlife Management for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. I've recently joined the BCM program as an instructor and I'm taking a turn at teaching BCM 740 Conservation Leadership and Public Engagement. I'm also working on a couple books I hope to publish soon; one for fun based on bird hunting exploits over 3 decades from a camp in ND, and a more serious effort focused on the challenges of deer management policy in the Midwest.

"I grew up in a hunting and fishing family but had a strong affinity toward nature from the start that was cultivated by my mother. When I started hunting and harvesting wild game, I felt the significance of taking life for the sustenance of my own; and made a commitment to giving back more to the wildlife resource than I was taking, as an act of gratitude. "

Education: Ph.D., Forestry and Forest Products from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

My career started in the private sector working for companies that produced engineered wood products and solid sawn lumber. I first entered the public sector through state government before my current position in the federal government.

In my current role, I provide technical and financial assistance to forest product manufacturers in the northeast and Midwest through the USDA Forest Service’s Wood Innovations program.

"The manufacturing of wood products requires forest, water, and energy resources. My education and work experience enables me to provide guidance to forest product manufacturers on how to reduce waste and use fewer natural resources, while also increasing the output of wood products (paper, lumber, packaging) that the world depends upon."

Education: Master of Science in Natural Resources from University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point

After starting my career at the University of Wisconsin Extension-Center for Land Use Education, helping protect and enhance forests and groundwater through land use planning I returned to graduate school to study disturbance and forest ecology. I have worked in land stewardship roles in private consulting, The Nature Conservancy, Door County Land Trust, and Wisconsin DNR as a wildlife technician and seasonal forestry technician during fire season. The largest part of my career so far has been serving as a Natural Areas Ecologist for the UW Green Bay Cofrin Center for Biodiversity where I was able to expand on my stewardship background, engage in watershed planning and protection, and conduct research and ecological restoration on coastal wetlands, forests, surrogate grasslands and more while teaching and collaborating with many amazing students and colleagues.

Recently I served a short term as a County Conservationist in northwest WI and I am currently working in WI DNR, Division of Forestry on a climate resilience and forestry program. In my current role, I coordinate Wisconsin’s tree planting pledge.

"There are so many ways you can share your strengths in the field of conservation; don’t wait for leadership or for someone to tell you what or how to take action. Be yourself and bring your values and questions to your work. I chose to pursue the conservation field because I believe biodiversity is inherently valuable and working to protect it and improve habitat is fulfilling to me. "