Nature Lab at Work

A Typical Day

A typical day includes meetings to develop research proposals, coordinating projects with internal and external partners, and planning public input opportunities for department initiatives. Ellie works with teams to think through the human dimensions of conservation challenges and makes recommendations for how to use social science methods and best practices to answer questions and engage the public.

Notable Projects

“Right now, we are working with the community conservation teams in Kansas City and St. Louis to develop an approach for evaluating the incredible work they are doing to make and/or keep conservation relevant to all Missourians,” Ellie said. 

This project includes listening to staff and the public, digging through the literature and our existing data, and developing new research projects that can help tell this story.

“I believe that a relationship with nature is what makes us human, and I get to work with brilliant people to ask questions about what that relationship means, how it can best be nurtured, and how we can ensure that the conservation story is one that includes everyone. What a privilege!” 

Supporting the Department’s Mission

Ellie would one day like to put an end to the question — what does social science have to do with conservation?

“At the end of the day, conservation is a people game,” Ellie said. “Our efforts succeed or fail largely due to social forces. Social science gives us the tools to better understand these forces and develop communications, programs, and services to meet people where they are.”

How You Can Help

Speak up! Whether through surveys, focus groups, comment opportunities, or public meetings, know that when you share your perspective, it is highly valued and contributes to shaping an inclusive, sustainable future for conservation in Missouri.