We study the human dimensions of conservation in order to understand and improve relationships between people and nature. Our research assesses how individuals and communities influence conservation processes and outcomes, and how this information can be used to design more effective conservation strategies. Our lab has conducted research on citizen science, international bycatch policy, the socioeconomic factors driving illegal sea turtle take, sea turtle ecotourism and community-based conservation, and perceptions on the safety of sea turtle consumption.
Representative publications:
- Citizen science enhances understanding of sea turtle distribution in the Gulf of California
- At loggerheads over international bycatch: initial effects of a unilaterally imposed bycatch reduction policy
- To poach or not to poach an endangered species: elucidating the economic and social drivers behind illegal sea turtle hunting in Baja California Sur, Mexico
- People helping turtles, turtles helping people: understanding resident attitudes towards sea turtle conservation and opportunities for enhanced community participation in Bahia Magdalena, Mexico
- To eat or not to eat an endangered species: views of local residents and physicians on the safety of sea turtle consumption in northwestern Mexico