Nicolette Cagle

As a Senior Lecturer in Ecology & Environmental Education at Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, I am committed to fostering meaningful connections between people and nature. My work emphasizes student learning and equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills to engage with the natural world in impactful ways.

With over two decades of experience in ecology, environmental education, and natural history, I specialize in forest ecology, dendrology, wildlife conservation, and environmental education. Rather than conducting traditional research, I lead ecological and environmental education investigations that immerse students in hands-on, field-based learning experiences, deepening their understanding of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability.

I have held multiple leadership roles in environmental education and science communication, always with the goal of making ecological knowledge more accessible, inclusive, and actionable. My book, Saving Snakes: Snakes and the Evolution of a Field Naturalist, reflects my passion for blending conservation science with storytelling to inspire deeper engagement with nature.