Lauren Eckert

Dr. Lauren Eckert is a conservation scientist, adventure enthusiast and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of British Columbia (territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Skwxwú7mesh, Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh Nations). Her early research experiences around the globe exposed her to the complexities of interrelated social and ecological systems. This motivated her to delve into conservation science—which recognizes humans’ important role in global ecosystems, engages communities directly in conservation and supports Indigenous Nations and individuals reasserting their knowledge and rights. Lauren’s research interests include: the intersections of Indigenous and Western sciences, equitable environmental policy and governance, relationships between humans and the more-than-human-world and, ultimately, conservation conflicts and collaborative ways to transform them. Pursuing these interests has allowed her to study a variety of animal species across many geographies—from kit foxes in the high deserts of Colorado to gray whales in Sitka Sound, Alaska, from arboreal monkeys in Western Brazil to deep-dwelling rockfish along the coasts of British Columbia.

 

Also an avid communicator of science, Lauren shares her research results, conservation science stories and experiences as a scientist widely through public speaking and online platforms. She is also a National Geographic Explorer, storyteller and the Board President for Alaska Whale Foundation and Board Chair for The Narwhal.