UF IFAS Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

🎉 Student Research Spotlight 🎉

Congratulations to Morgan DuPree Wingo, an M.S. student in the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, on presenting her research at both the UF Reshaping Nature Symposium and the Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society Spring Conference!

Morgan's research examined how 66 years of consistent fire management influence wildlife habitat quality, showing that more frequent prescribed fire supports higher-quality habitat for white-tailed deer. This collaborative project advances our understanding of long-term fire management and its role in conserving Florida's native ecosystems.

Congratulations, Morgan, on sharing your research with the scientific community!

🎓 Class of 2026! 🎉

We are proud of our outstanding undergraduate graduates as they embark on their next adventure. Thank you for being part of the UF Wildlife Ecology and Conservation community!

Congratulations! 💙🧡

🎓 Master's Defense Announcement

Join us for Jose Torres' master's thesis defense:

A Decade Later: Mammal Distribution Change and Python Monitoring in the Western Everglades Ecosystem

📅 Tuesday, June 23, 2026
🕘 9:15 AM
📍 135 Newins-Ziegler Hall

Interested in attending virtually? Leave a comment below, and we'll send you the online meeting link.

We wish Jose the best for his defense!

🎉 Alumni Spotlight 🎉

Congratulations to WEC alumnus Dr. J. Alex Baecher, who will join Emory University this fall as an Assistant Professor of Applied Ecology in the Department of Environmental Science!

Alex completed both his Ph.D. and postdoctoral training in the University of Florida’s Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation (2019–2025). At Emory, he will establish the Quest Lab : https://questlab.eco/ (Quantitative Ecology in Space and Time), where he will use quantitative and spatial approaches to better understand ecological systems across landscapes. His new position was previously held by Dr. Lance Gunderson, whose work on ecosystem resilience theory had a profound influence on Alex’s academic journey.

Reflecting on his time in WEC, Alex credits the department for helping him build the foundation needed to pursue a career in academia. He extends his sincere gratitude to the colleagues, professors, mentors, and lab mates who supported him along the way, including Drs. Brett Scheffers, Eric Hellgren, Morgan Ernest, Ethan White, Rob Fletcher, Christina Romagosa, and Steve Johnson.

Please join us in congratulating Alex on this exciting next chapter! 🎊

🐢 Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢

WEC Ph.D. student Jaren Serano, advised by Dr. Nia Morales, is continuing his dissertation research in Belize focused on freshwater conservation, community stewardship, and river health in the Lower Belize River Valley.

A key part of his work supports conservation efforts for the critically endangered Central American River Turtle, locally known as the Hicatee (Dermatemys mawii). Through community workshops, participatory mapping, and collaboration with local fishers and residents, Jaren’s research highlights the importance of connecting local knowledge, healthy river systems, and conservation action.

His work reflects the collaborative effort needed to protect freshwater ecosystems and the species and communities that depend on them.

🎉 Congratulations Juan Restrepo!

Juan received the Tropical Research Scholarship and was recognized as the WEC Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year, advised by Dr. Vanessa Hull. He also received the Chocó Bioregion Summer Program Scholarship from the Center for Latin American Studies and TCD, the Jimmy G. Cheek Student Medal of Excellence, and became a member of the prestigious Bouchet Graduate Honor Society.

“The Outstanding Graduate Student of the Year in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Award is very special as it recognizes teaching, research, service, and engagement in extension/outreach,” Juan shared.

Juan plans to use the Tropical Research Scholarship to conduct a species-focused planning workshop in the Ecuadorian Andes, bringing together diverse stakeholders to promote Andean condor conservation and human-condor coexistence.

Congratulations, Juan, on these well-deserved achievements and your continued dedication to conservation, collaboration, and outreach! 👏

Ron Magill Conservation Scholarship 🎉

Congratulations to Aleida Iriarte (advised by Dr. Blackburn) on receiving the Ron Magill Conservation Scholarship! 👏🌿

This prestigious award supports graduate students in the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation who are conducting research on vertebrate wildlife in Central and South America, including the Caribbean. Funded through the generous, long-term commitment of Ron Magill (Zoo Miami Communications Director and Zoo Goodwill Ambassador), the scholarship advances impactful conservation research.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations to the winners of the WEC Photo Contest 2026 📸🏆

A big round of applause to Alex Nelson (Popular Vote) and Lameace Hussain (Panel Choice) for their outstanding submissions!

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared your unique perspectives on wildlife and conservation. The creativity and talent across all entries made this an incredibly difficult decision. We also appreciate everyone who took the time to vote and support their favorite photos!

The winning photographs will be displayed in the WEC front office—be sure to stop by and check them out! 🌿🐾