The Biological & Biomedical Sciences Research Seminar Series presents Dr. Viorel Popescu, Conservation Biology Candidate, on “Wildlife Conservation in a Changing World: From Autecology to Large-Scale Conservation Planning” on Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. in Irvine 159.
Viorel Popescu
Abstract: In a constantly changing world where nature protection and development continue to be at odds with each other, conserving biodiversity remains a constant challenge. Inherently an interdisciplinary task, charting pathways to sustainability requires a deep understanding of coupled human-natural systems, from knowledge on how human activities impact species and ecosystems, to social factors underpinning conservation decision-making, and translating science into policy. As an ecologist and conservation biologist, my research is focused on understanding vertebrate responses to human-induced and natural disturbance in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and identifying climate- and development-resilient and sustainable solutions to inform conservation planning. This seminar will focus on three examples of collaborative research that span levels of biological organization (individuals to ecosystems), taxa, empirical and theoretical work, social contexts, and jurisdictions, but are united by a common theme: finding common ground between safeguarding nature and societal well-being: vernal pool-breeding amphibian conservation and sustainable timber harvesting in Maine forests, re-evaluating threats to population persistence of the threatened Pacific fishers in the Sierra Nevada to support listing under ESA, and balancing species conservation and renewable energy development in British Columbia using conservation planning principles. My future research will continue to tackle wildlife conservation and sustainability, and balance basic research that highlights the mechanistic responses of wildlife populations to disturbance with interdisciplinary approaches that integrate the human dimensions of biodiversity conservation.
Upcoming Spring 2015 Events
Feb. 2, Dr. Adam Ford, Conservation Biology Candidate, on “Conserving Trophic Dynamics and Animal Movement in Human-Dominated Landscapes: Case Studies from Large Carnivores” at 4 p.m. in Irvine 159.
Feb. 9, Maria Elena de Bellard, Cal State University Northridge, “The Role of Slit Tumor Suppressor Gene in Neural Crest Delamination” at 4 p.m. in Irvine 159.
April 20, Dr. Yoon-Seong Kim, University of Central Florida, on “Alpha-Synuclein in Neurodegeneration” at 4 p.m. in Irvine 159.
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