Dr. Phoebe Parker-Shames, PhD

Interdisciplinary community ecologist

Interdisciplinary ecology for conservation solutions

Photo of Phoebe conducting fieldwork, taken by Jim Shames

Phoebe Parker-Shames (she/her) is an interdisciplinary researcher combining landscape ecology, wildlife conservation, community ecology, and social science to examine the role of humans within ecological systems. Her work engages stakeholders in conservation solutions that intersect policy, management, and the environment. Currently, she is a postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley with Dr. Justin Brashares and Dr. Chris Schell, where her work focuses on the ecological outcomes of cannabis legalization.

Photo of a burned tree at Hopland Research and Extension Center, taken by Phoebe Parker-Shames

Interdisciplinary Science

Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research brings together the strengths of different approaches when trying to understand conservation issues and implement scientific approaches. This combination is central to the way I approach my research and collaborations.

Photo of Phoebe talking to a research stakeholder, taken by Jim Shames

Engaged/Applied Research

I am passionate about generating science with a purpose. My desire to apply research to problem-solving on the ground is what inspired me to go to grad school, and I am excited to tackle the world's difficult and complex conservation issues. I strive to do so with nuance and to focus on community-first collaborative approaches.

Photo of starlings over a hemp field, taken on a wildlife research camera

JEDI in the Environment

I believe in centering Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in environmental science and practice. I collaborate with my peers to promote personal and structural anti-racist practices, and hold myself accountable by continuing to work with organizations that share these goals of inclusion. (Thank you to CNE Corbin for introducing me to the term JEDI)