Instagram story viewer> @aucfwe> Posts

Auburn Forestry, Wildlife and Environment

@aucfwe

964

posts

3.4K

followers

193

following

Working with Nature for Society's Well-being

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

Andrea Miranda Paez, Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) doctoral candidate, successfully defended her dissertation titled “Genetic Insights into Wildlife Movement, Disease Dynamics, and Conservation Decision-Making.”🎓Paez’s research explored how patterns of movement, connectivity, and transmission influence both ecological and social systems in wildlife conservation and management. Through four interdisciplinary studies spanning population genetics, movement ecology, disease ecology, and the human dimensions of wildlife management, her work examined the role of genetic concepts in understanding wildlife populations and informing conservation decisions. Her research revealed how genetic connectivity persists in migratory ungulate populations despite spatial structuring, how raccoon rabies dynamics in Alabama can operate at finer scales than host connectivity patterns suggest, and how familiarity with genetic tools influences perceptions of their utility among wildlife professionals. Additionally, she examined information flow within grizzly bear conservation networks, highlighting how communication dynamics shape decision-making across institutions. Collectively, her findings advance our understanding of connectivity, disease dynamics, and information exchange, while demonstrating the value of integrating genetic frameworks across both ecological and social dimensions of wildlife conservation.🦌🦝🐻Paez’s dissertation committee included Drs. Janna Willoughby (advisor), CFWE associate professor of wildlife genetics; Kelsey McCune, CFWE assistant professor of conservation behavior ecology; and Bob Gitzen, associate professor of wildlife biology and conservation.Congratulations, Andrea, on this outstanding academic achievement and exciting milestone! 🥳#AUCFWE | #AuburnUniversity | #Research by @aucfwe

185

3

a day ago

208

6

15 days ago

151

4

a month ago

368

7

a month ago

Meet Sarah Tash, a doctoral candidate in Auburn’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE), whose research is helping protect one of the Southeast’s most iconic and endangered plants: the Cahaba lily (Hymenocallis coronaria). 🌱Sarah’s work focuses on surface water hydrology (how water moves through watersheds) and how those patterns shape where the Cahaba lily can grow and thrive. By studying populations across Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, she is identifying shared habitat characteristics, as well as key differences and threats across watersheds. Her research is providing critical insight into how the species responds to changing conditions like droughts and floods, helping predict how populations may shift over time and guiding more effective conservation and restoration strategies. 💧Beyond research, Sarah is actively engaged in outreach and continuing education across the Southeast, helping others learn how to identify, protect, and steward this rare species for future generations. 🤝Sarah says this impactful work is made possible through the support of dedicated partners, including the Center for Plant Conservation and the Garden Club of America through the Catherine H. Beattie Fellowship for Conservation of Rare Flora, as well as the Cahaba River Coalition. She also shares a special thanks to Dr. Chris Anderson, CFWE professor of coastal wetland ecology, and the CFWE for their continued support, along with the many stakeholders, nonprofits, and educational institutions advancing conservation efforts. 📈#AUCFWE | #Research | #Hydrology by @aucfwe

158

6

2 months ago

📖 Herpetology: a branch of zoology dedicated to the study of reptiles and amphibians 🐍During Summer Practicum, Auburn University Wildlife Ecology and Management students quite literally dove into Herpetology Week, experiencing the field study of these unique animals in their natural habitats. From identifying snakes, frogs, and salamanders to learning safe, effective capture and handling techniques, students developed essential field skills that form the foundation of wildlife research and management. 🐸Fieldwork didn’t stop when conditions got rough. Students pushed through periodic visits from Mother Nature, and even waded through chest-deep water to set and retrieve traps—fully embracing the realities of working in dynamic, outdoor environments. These experiences built resilience while reinforcing the importance of careful data collection and species monitoring. 🐢Along the way, students practiced habitat assessment and survey methods that helped them better understand population dynamics and ecosystem health. Each challenge in the field sharpened their ability to observe, adapt, and apply scientific techniques in real time. 🐊By combining immersive fieldwork with applied ecological concepts, Herpetology Week connected classroom learning to real-world wildlife management, equipping future wildlife professionals with the skills, confidence, and determination to study and conserve species throughout their careers. 🦎#AUCFWE | #Wildlife by @aucfwe

250

0

2 months ago

New episode alert! 🎙️ Dylan Thomas, Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) professor of practice, recently joined The Southeastern Land Show podcast to discuss the Wildlife Enterprise Management program with hosts Brian Watts and Cary Farrington. 🦌🌿 From experiential learning to career preparation at the intersection of conservation, hospitality, and business, Dylan shares what makes this program unique and how it's preparing the next generation of wildlife enterprise professionals. 🤝 Check out the full conversation on your favorite podcasting platform to learn more about how CFWE students are gaining real-world skills in wildlife habitat management, enterprise operations, and science-based decision making. 🎧#AUCFWE | #WLEM | #WildlifeEnterprise by @aucfwe

76

2

2 months ago

Auburn forestry students are laying the groundwork this summer for their future careers through hands-on experiences at Forestry Summer Practicum. 🌲☀️For many, this is their first opportunity to step into the woods and learn the essential skills that define the forestry profession. This month, students were introduced to timber cruising, forest sampling, navigation and GIS mapping—developing the ability to measure forests, navigate diverse landscapes and collect critical data used in forest management. 🪵Each skill contributes to a larger picture of understanding and assessing forest inventory. From estimating timber volume to evaluating stand conditions, our students are building the technical foundation needed to make informed, sustainable decisions. ✅By integrating traditional field methods with modern technology, Forestry Summer Practicum equips students with the tools and confidence to analyze forests from multiple perspectives. 🔎This immersive experience is more than a set of courses—it’s the starting point of their journey as foresters, where the fundamentals they learn today will support every decision they make in their careers moving forward. 📈#AUCFWE | #AuburnForestry | #WarEagle by @aucfwe

326

0

2 months ago

Mellow your Monday with 30 seconds of sunset at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center. ⏱️🌅This week represents the beginning of Forestry Summer Practicum where Auburn University forestry majors will learn some of the most valuable skills of the trade. 🪵📏Wildlife Ecology and Management majors will spend this week learning about wildlife point count surveys, vegetation sampling, and overall habitat management. 🐾The Dixon Center is also eagerly awaiting the groundbreaking of a new 12,000-square-foot dormitory that will serve as the home for Auburn's forestry and wildlife summer practicum courses, as well as training programs hosted by nonprofit, state, and federal partners. 🛏️🤝📲 Learn more about the Dixon Center and the dorm project on the Dixon Center website.#AUCFWE | #Forestry | #Wildlife | #WarEagle by @aucfwe

159

0

2 months ago

262

3

3 months ago

319

2

3 months ago

249

0

3 months ago