Principal Investigator (PI)

Dr. Ethan D. Doney

Assistant Professor in Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University

Ethan is an interdisciplinary conservation social scientist who researches the social dimensions of human-wildlife interactions. His research explores how people feel about wildlife and its management, with the goal of finding collaborative solutions to conservation conflicts. His work aims to bring people together to address issues related to wildlife species and their management, often involving engagement with communities, landowners, governments, organizations, academics, and other interested individuals and groups.

In his work, Ethan takes a pragmatic, mixed-methods approach to his research, combining qualitative and quantitative tools to understand complex human-wildlife dynamics. His broader program is guided by the goal of balancing biodiversity conservation with human well-being. This involves a strong emphasis on listening, empathy, and understanding diverse perspectives in order to navigate conservation challenges in contextually grounded and socially just ways.

Taylor is a social scientist that explores natural resources and agriculture topics through the lens of communication theory and methodologies. She has an interdisciplinary background, with degrees held in Natural Resources (Wildlife Conservation and Management emphasis; BS), Agricultural Education (MS), and Communication with a minor in natural resources (PhD). She is dedicated to continuing interdisciplinary work that intersects multiple disciplines and community partners.

Her work includes examining various perceptions, including attitudes, risk perceptions, efficacy beliefs, and social norms related to natural resources and agriculture topics. This work informs other studies that develop and test messaging and other communicative tools. She uses both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in her research.

Lauren is a social scientist driven by a desire to support both human communities and the ecological systems they depend on, recognizing the close connections between people and their surrounding environments. Her previous work aimed to identify ways to help shellfish farmers navigate changing social, economic, environmental, and policy conditions affecting their livelihoods. She is a lifelong Oregon resident and is eager to explore human-wildlife interactions in her home state. 

Lauren is trained in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, with a primary focus on understanding people’s experiences, values, and perspectives. She enjoys connecting with individuals from various backgrounds to explore how they relate to natural resources, conservation, and changes in environments. In addition to her research on shellfish farming, she has contributed to data-driven projects investigating public perceptions of ocean and coastal change in Oregon and has been involved in facilitation and environmental education efforts.

Alex is a master’s student focusing on studying stakeholder dialogue and media framing surrounding wolves in the state of Oregon. His research aims to identify dominant narratives about wolf management and analyze public opinion using a mixed-methods approach. Alex hopes to engage with community members, including ranchers, Native American tribes, and landowners, to address knowledge gaps regarding the human dimensions of wolves in Oregon.

Coming from Florida, Alex has gained research experience studying the human dimensions of manatees, as well as working hands-on with manatees and shorebirds as an intern for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. He has a passion for environmental education and has created and facilitated multiple educational events specifically for low-income students in North Central Florida. Alex plans to use his time in Oregon to make new connections, explore new landscapes, and pursue his passion for social science.