Meet the Great Plains Science Team

Sarah leads our dynamic team of scientists working to understand, sustain, and restore Great Plains habitats and the species that depend on them. Sarah is focused on cultivating networks of research and conservation practice with landowners, Tribal Nations, NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders to secure a future for grassland systems and the communities they support.

Jaron focuses on how soils support healthy ecosystems. His work identifies how conservation, restoration, and management actions in the habitats of the Great Plains impact the soil functions that provide valuable benefits to plants, wildlife, and humans. 

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.

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. 

Maya leads the research component of a multi-stakeholder effort to restore degraded streams on working lands. She collaborates with ranchers, organizations, and agencies to research whether a new stream restoration strategy is leading to improvements in climate resilience, vegetative productivity, and biodiversity in grasslands. Her work provides information on ecosystem health while uniting a diverse array of stakeholders.

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. 

Colleen works with individuals and organizations to provide sustainable funding for the Great Plains Science Program. Her contributions ensure the program can continue to deliver cutting-edge research on grassland ecosystems, support the conservation of grassland biodiversity and train the next generation of scientists.