Corvallis, Oregon

Avery is an interdisciplinary wildlife ecologist with more than a decade of experience collaborating with producers, researchers, natural resource agencies, and conservation organizations to reduce carnivore-livestock conflict across the western United States. Originally trained as a wildlife ecologist, she had the opportunity to learn from social science mentors to conduct qualitative research during her PhD. She values diverse forms of knowledge and believes effective ethical research starts with a bottom-up approach working alongside local communities to identify research priorities and develop solutions grounded in real-world needs and experiences. 

As WLA’s Science and Research Manager, Avery works to the best of her ability to provide scientific guidance and leadership to help ensure the organization’s work is scientifically rigorous, credible, and grounded in integrity. She also works to strengthen connections between researchers and practitioners, building partnerships that advance working lands conservation. She is particularly grateful to work with the talented and dedicated Working Wild Challenge team across multiple western states. 

She is driven by a commitment to continuous learning, challenging her own assumptions, expanding the table to create more inclusive spaces, and having the courage to speak up when it matters. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management from UC Berkeley, and a B.A. in Conservation Biology from Middlebury College.