Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation

Fellowship Year: 2010

Academic Background: University of California - Davis - PhD 2011- (Ecology)

Kristy Deiner is a PhD. candidate in the graduate group of ecology at the University of California, Davis (UCD). She is also pursuing a degree certificate at UCD in Conservation Management. Her dissertation research uses genetic tools to assess how species interactions drive evolutionary processes. She has a diverse background working with mammals, birds, fish and arthropods to understand species limits and population dynamics. Currently, she is studying the evolutionary impact of introduced fish on alpine lake communities in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California and the Alps in Switzerland. Her conservation management research is focused on what social, biological and economic pressures predict successful adoption of strategic conservation plans through an evaluation of California’s ecosystem based Natural Community Conservation Planning. She also holds a masters and bachelors degree in Biology from Sonoma State University. Both of Kristy’s current research endeavors are allowing her to begin work with engaging stakeholders in the process of understanding and applying scientific knowledge for management of alpine ecosystems. She is currently writing and directing a documentary film about these ecosystems. In the future she hopes to develop an international institute through collaboration with researchers and practitioners focused on developing, educating and use of long-term monitoring scientific information to make the most informed decisions regarding alpine ecosystem management for the enjoyment of generations to come.

Expertise: Conservation Science & Biology