About Liba

I am an associate professor and conservation biologist. My research explores win-win opportunities to conserve and restore biodiversity on working lands while also sustaining the livelihoods of landowners. With my amazing students, I address topics ranging from the effects of refaunation and invasive species on biodiversity and ecosystem services, to how to conserve plant and animal communities in agroecosystems and landscapes undergoing urbanization and energy development. My current projects span Colorado, Hawaii and New Zealand, and focus mostly on birds and mammals. I find working across disciplines to seek innovative ways to integrate conservation biology, finance and policy very rewarding.

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Interests

  • Bird ecology and conservation
  • Diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice
  • Ecosystem services
  • Invasive species
  • Island ecology
  • Private lands conservation
  • Restoration ecology
  • Urban ecology

Education

PhD, Environmental Studies - UC Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA, 2004

BA, Environmental Studies - Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT, 1997

Memberships

  • Society for Conservation Biology
  • American Ornithological Society
  • Ecological Society of America