Science-based solutions for an endangered but unlisted species

Abstract

Due to the combined threats from an invasive pathogen, mountain pine beetle, and climate change, whitebark pine is currently being assessed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for listing under the Endangered Species Act. I aim to expand on this ground-breaking effort by applying cutting-edge science to measure and predict the current and future threats to whitebark in the Sierra Nevada. Specifically, I will 1) develop predictive models to predict possible distribution shifts with climate change, 2) determine whether the Southern Sierra will remain the only known refugium for whitebark. Working in collaboration with conservation practitioners and scientists from the University of California, US Forest Service (USFS), the National Parks Service (NPS), and the US Geological Survey (USGS) will ensure that this research will inform science-based management of this keystone species.

Mentors

Dr. Andrew Latimer at the University of California, Davis, Drs. Robert Keane and Connie Millar of the USDA Forest Service, and Dr. Phil van Mantgem of the US Geological Survey

Undergraduate Education

B.A. Biology, Occidental College, 2006

Graduate Education

Ph.D. Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 2019

Current Title and Affiliation

Assistant Professor at UC Santa Barbara

Joan Dudney