Description | Dr. Kathy Zeller is a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, having earned a Ph.D. in Wildlife Fish and Conservation Biology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Integrating the fields of landscape ecology, wildlife biology, landscape genetics, and biostatistics, her work is focused at the intersection of humans and wildlife and seeks to understand how wildlife use and move through natural and developed landscapes. Broadly, her research is defined by two major tenets. The first is to provide spatially-based quantitative analyses to inform the conservation and management of species. The second is to critically assess, compare, and contrast the current methods used to model wildlife habitat use and movement so that best practices can be identified. Dr. Zeller has a particular interest in modeling wildlife connectivity and has worked on applied connectivity research in the U.S. and abroad for over 15 years. Working with species from mice to mountain lions, her connectivity modeling results are being used to site wildlife road crossing structures and in conservation and land use planning efforts across Massachusetts, California, and Central America. Her teaching has included field courses in conservation science and engagement of students with conservation practitioners, while she has been active in promoting and mentoring girls and women in science. |
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