Nicolette Cagle

I study the relationships among wildlife, plants, landscape patterns, and the socioecological systems that shape biodiversity. Rather than only conducting traditional research, I design ecological and environmental education investigations—collaborations that integrate science with experiential learning to deepen student understanding and foster meaningful connection with the natural world.

Core Pillars:

1) Applied Conservation Ecology

I lead hands-on fieldwork on pressing wildlife and plant conservation challenges. My students and I investigate the drivers of animal movement, distribution, and abundance and use those insights to inform conservation practice.

Alongside large-scale questions, I maintain long-term, local observational studies to counter shifting baseline syndrome—the gradual acceptance of ecological degradation as “normal.” By sustaining continuous ecological records, I work to protect biodiversity for future generations and support effective, science-based management.

2) Environmental Education & Identity

I use social-science approaches to understand how people form environmental identity and make decisions about nature and biodiversity. I examine how individuals and communities perceive the value of natural resources, wildlife, and ecosystems—and what motivates them to invest time, energy, and resources in conservation.

Through this lens, I aim to improve how people connect with nature so that education fosters a deep, lasting commitment to conservation and scientific inquiry. This work helps cultivate the next generation of scientists, educators, and conservation leaders.

I bridge ecology and social science to safeguard biodiversity and inspire meaningful conservation action.