In addition to my academic research, I’m deeply committed to advancing on-the-ground conservation efforts that address biodiversity loss, climate change, and the erosion of cultural heritage. Much of this work takes place through the Amazon Research & Conservation Collaborative (ARCC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization I founded in 2024. I continually seek opportunities to align my research with real-world conservation outcomes and explore new ways to support and strengthen conservation efforts. Above all, I believe that the actions we take outside of our professional roles—through community engagement, advocacy, and daily choices—are essential to driving lasting environmental, social, and cultural change.
The Amazon Research & Conservation Collaborative (ARCC)
A Message to Aspiring Conservationists
There’s a common misconception that contributing to conservation requires a scientific career or formal policy work. But some of the most powerful forms of impact come from choosing not to conform to business-as-usual. Rejecting wasteful norms, participating in community restoration projects, supporting science-based policy, or donating to organizations making a real difference—these are all acts of conservation. Showing up, speaking out, and aligning your values with your actions often matters more than we’re taught to believe.
Personal lifestyle choices—like eating more sustainably, reducing consumption, or advocating for environmental justice—may seem small in isolation, but together they shape culture, shift markets, and drive systemic change. In fact, the cumulative effect of these actions often exceeds what most people imagine when they think of “contributing to conservation” through research alone. Conservation is not just something we study or admire—it’s something we live.