Researchers

Bats are my passion. I have worked with bats in central Texas pecan orchards (studying the pest control services of bats to pecan farmers and the preferences of Evening Bats (Nycticeius humeralis) for bat house design) and in Naracoorte Caves, South Australia (conducting population studies on the critically endangered Southern Bent-wing Bat (Miniopterus schreibersii bassanii)). My current dissertation research focuses on the conservation of the endangered Mexican long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) and other bats that pollinate agave plants in Mexico. I am specifically interested in understanding how conservation of these bats can be incorporated into human use and management of agaves, which are used for a variety of products, including the famous tequila and mezcal as well as many other important cultural products.As a PhD Candidate in the University of Georgia’s Integrative Conservation PhD program, my research focuses on joining the natural and social sciences in an integrative approach to doing conservation. I am incorporating both the natural sciences (e.g. understanding the foraging and roosting ecology of the bats) as well as the social sciences (e.g. understanding how farmers and rural Mexican communities harvest, manage, and use agaves, and understanding their decision-making in regards to agave management) in order to better address bat conservation needs within this complex social-ecological system.I am also passionate about education and public outreach to raise awareness and appreciation of bats and their conservation, and frequently give presentations to community groups and schools.