As The Nat’s inaugural Exequiel Ezcurra Director of Conservation Biology, Michelle works to transform the Museum’s ability to make direct impacts in our region by forming strategic partnerships and translating science into conservation action.
Arriving by way of the Field Museum, she brings extensive experience conducting multinational expeditions in remote areas of the world and has helped conserve biodiversity-rich areas while working closely with local communities and government officials. Michelle holds a B.S. from UC San Diego, a M.S. from San Francisco State University, and a Ph.D. from Florida International University.
As head of the Conservation Biology Department, Michelle has led several projects that promote the conservation of both San Diego and the Baja California Peninsula. She can be reached by using our contact form under "Research."
Anna has been involved with The Nat for more than 15 years and currently serves as the Conservation Biology Research Project Manager. During her time at the Museum, she has worked as a field botanist, part-time educator, flat-tailed lizard surveyor, botany volunteer, Canyoneer, and children’s storyteller.
Anna received her Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. degrees from the University of Colorado, Boulder, as well as a M.Ed. from the University of Arizona, Tucson. Anna’s prior research focused on plant physiology, botanical population genetics, and the conservation management of rare plants. For her postdoctoral work, she spent extended periods of time in the arctic gathering data to better understand the impacts of climate change on plants.
Anna’s thrilled to be part of the Conservation Biology team, help lead the Healthy Canyons Initiative, and explore San Diego’s canyons. She can be reached at 619.255.0291 or by using our contact form under “Research.”
Rachel serves as a postdoctoral researcher in the Conservation Biology Department. Her research expertise is in urban wildlife ecology—that is, understanding where, when, and why animals live amongst people and how people and nature can thrive together in cities.
Rachel received her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and has worked primarily with mammals, including coyotes, mice, shrews, and squirrels (her favorite). At The Nat, she runs the camera trapping project for the Healthy Canyons Initiative to better understand the urban mammals of San Diego and is the main coordinator for the San Diego branch of the California Urban Nature Alliance, a consortium of institutions from all over California studying urban nature. She can be reached by using our contact form under "Research."