ESIIL Postdoctoral Associate

Project Summary

The ongoing biodiversity crisis is rapidly escalating with alarming rates of ecosystem deterioration and species extinction. In the face of biodiversity loss, decision-support software allows scientists and policymakers to model, monitor, and analyze ecological data, facilitating more informed and timely decisions for conservation and restoration efforts. However, software that relies on closed-platform data restricts the user's ability to dissect and extract specific information, ultimately reducing accessibility and limiting innovation.

Our goal is to deliver customizable and interactive open science decision tools that 1) are better designed to yield more equitable solutions with state-of-the-art optimization methods and 2) effectively communicate the framework and results to communities impacted by these decisions. From exploring local biodiversity to making informed land investment decisions, we aim to promote public engagement and scientific research by enabling users to explore data tailored to their needs.

To date, we have developed a cloud-native geospatial visualization tool with chat-driven interfaces for users to map and query California protected land data, enable by open data layers and LLMs. Our decision-support tool will leverage more flexible optimization frameworks that address environmental goals while also prioritizing the needs and rights of those affected by these decisions.

Visit Dr. Cassie Buhler's project repository for learn more: Optimization for Conservation Decisions