Lauren Eckert is a conservation scientist, adventure enthusiast and PhD candidate at the University of Victoria. Lauren’s early research experiences around the globe exposed her to the complexities of interrelated social and ecological systems and motivated her to delve into conservation science that recognizes humans’ important role in global ecosystems, engages communities directly in conservation and upholds Indigenous knowledge and rights. Her master of science work at the University of Victoria aimed to uplift Indigenous knowledge systems alongside ecological studies through a community-engaged, Indigenous-led approach to conservation in partnership with Central Coast First Nations in their territories.
Lauren began her PhD in 2017. Her current research interests include: the intersections of Indigenous and western ecological sciences, Canadian environmental policy and the role human values play in our relationships with wildlife and, ultimately, environmental decision-making outcomes. Lauren is also an avid communicator of science and shares her research results, conservation science stories, and experiences as a scientist widely via public speaking and online platforms. Lauren is a Canada Vanier Scholar, Raincoast Conservation Fellow, National Geographic Explorer, dog mom, avid hiker and peanut butter aficionada.
