​Urban areas are among the fastest-growing ecosystems on Earth, transforming natural habitats and creating new challenges and opportunities for wildlife. While some species thrive in cities, others decline or disappear entirely. Understanding the factors that drive these differences is essential for conserving biodiversity in an increasingly urbanized world. My PhD research at the University of New Orleans investigates how environmental conditions, habitat characteristics, landscape connectivity, and human activities influence wildlife occurrence and biodiversity across urban ecosystems. By identifying the key drivers of urban wildlife communities, this research aims to inform conservation strategies that promote coexistence between people and nature in rapidly developing cities.

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Collaborative Partnership

This research is a collaborative effort between the University of New Orleans (UNO) and the Audubon Institute, and is conducted as part of the Urban Wildlife Information Network (UWIN), an international consortium dedicated to understanding wildlife ecology in urban environments. The project is further strengthened through partnerships with local organizations and institutions across the Greater New Orleans region. Together, these collaborations support long-term urban wildlife monitoring and contribute to building a more wildlife-friendly and resilient city.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​