Meet Mary Burak, an ecologist passionate about understanding how humans and carnivores can coexist in landscapes!
Mary Burak is a Ph.D. student at Yale University’s School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Providence College and comes from a research background that integrates wildlife ecology, landscape ecology, and population genetics (i.e.: landscape genetics). She currently studies human-carnivore conflict in Tanzania, using genetics to infer how human activity can both help and hinder wildlife conservation. Mary is passionate for both applied research and bridging the natural-social science gap. Outside of work, her interests include thrift shops, Stranger Things, and finding ways to eat chocolate for every meal.