Biodiversity Lab

Earth’s biodiversity is changing at rates faster than any time in human history. Key drivers of today’s biodiversity crisis are related to food and energy production—ranging from overfishing and habitat loss from hydropower and aquaculture, to climate change driven by livestock and fossil fuels.

Our research seeks to uncover general patterns about how biodiversity is responding to these global change factors, and in turn, how changes in biodiversity affect ecosystems and their ability to contribute to people’s well-being. We largely focus on aquatic ecosystems across scales, from tropical river basins like the Amazon to analyses that are global in scope.

Through the integration of field work, data science and synthesis, our research also addresses a central challenge in sustainability science: how to balance multiple societal objectives associated with food and energy security while reducing their contributions to biodiversity loss and climate change.

Values

Science has a complex history, marked by inequities that persist today. As practicing scientists, we have a responsibility to help correct this legacy and lay the foundation for a more just and equitable future, both within the practice of science and across the institutions we engage with. Diversity, one of the most inspiring features of life, is central to advancing both stronger science and a better society.