Meet the Great Plains Science Team

Hila is responsible for ensuring the long-term success of the program. Through her role as Program Director, she provides strategic planning, development of interdisciplinary research projects, fostering partnerships and stakeholder engagement. She also works to manage budgets, secure resources and raise funds while carrying out the team's vision and mission in grassland conservation and research. In addition, Hila leads species reintroduction and recovery projects, and long-term research initiatives across the northern Great Plains.

Andy plays a key role in studying and protecting the hundreds of bird species that occur in grassland ecosystems. He researches the factors that affect threatened and imperiled species, examines restoration efforts, and works to better understand the effects of keystone species on local bird populations and their surroundings. His work informs the team's efforts to develop conservation strategies that encompass land management, species preservation and overall ecosystem resilience.

Ellen is a community ecologist with expertise in entomology. Her research focuses on plants, 
insects, and species interactions, the glue that holds ecosystems together. In rangeland systems, she studies the effects of mammal communities, grazing regimes, and management on ecological communites. Ellen also researches responses to alternations to biogeochemcial 
cycles, a hallmark of the Anthropocene.

Olivia plays a central role in demonstrating the importance of community-driven approaches towards safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity. By fostering partnerships with local communities, Olivia works to develop conservation efforts that benefit both natural regions and the people who live in them. 

Jesse guides the program's species reintroduction efforts and develops strategies that help restore and rewild grassland ecosystems. Through his work, he navigates a delicate balance of ecology, science, technology, politics and policy to ensure the long-term survival of species reintroduced to the landscape. 

Jessica leads the long-term monitoring surveys across five bison restoration programs. The work is part of a regional, tribally-led research network that ties bison restoration programs with students from local colleges, with the goal of providing high-quality educational opportunities and training for the next generation of conservationists and scientists.