Linking the supply and demand of knowledge in conservation

<p>This research experience engages online students in examining the critical gap between conservation science and practice through analysis of data collected over the last 6 years during three interconnected NSF-funded research grants. Using several qualitative data analysis (QDA) techniques, we will explore the dynamics that shape the production and use of ‘conservation knowledge,’ and try to answer the question of why, despite decades of conservation research, biodiversity loss continues at alarming rates.</p><p>Students will help analyze interviews with conservation researchers, interviews with conservation practitioners, and documents from the Endangered Species Act. Participants will gain experience with QDA techniques and the Atlas.ti software, and will be included as authors on the resulting publications.</p><p>Students will have the option to join the Conservation Innovation Lab, a group of faculty and students focused on conservation research. Lab meetings are weekly. Joining the lab is voluntary, but encouraged. Students have the option to receive 'undergraduate research' (BIO 495) credits for their work. The number of credits will depend on the number of hours students would like to spend working on this project.&nbsp;</p>