I am a wildlife and landscape ecologist, and I am interested in understanding the tradeoffs between conservation and development as well as the human-wildlife conflict that can arise from these tradeoffs. My work as an ecologist satisfies my thirst to constantly pursue new questions and be outdoors.
I am currently a PhD candidate in the Schmitz Lab at Yale University’s School of the Environment. My dissertation research uses spatial and genetic data to enhance our understanding of human-lion interactions, as well as lion connectivity and survival, in Laikipia, Kenya. I am passionate about applied research and collaborate with Lion Landscapes to ensure this work is meaningfully centered in community-based applications.
I am from Massachusetts and enjoy long walks in the woods, watching Stranger Things, and thrift shopping.
PRONOUNS: She/her/hers
EMAIL: mary.burak@yale.edu