Western Ecological Research Center Research Scientists
Scientists and staff at the 2016 expanded science council meeting
Here at the Western Ecological Research Center, we strive to provide the most current and exciting science. This is not possible without our dedicated scientists. WERC has a total of 21 research scientists whose study findings inform and support management decisions by other agencies. These decisions can influence how communities protect their coastlines, preserve forests, and monitor sensitive species. Click on each scientist's name or photo to learn more about their research and expertise and see recent publications.
![Ackerman Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Josh%20with%20Grebe_Square.jpg?itok=eumUzM9J)
Josh Ackerman, Wildlife Biologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Adams Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Josh%20Adams_profile%20pic_Square.jpg?itok=E_ESMLNo)
Josh Adams, Biologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Photo of WERC scientist Kristin Berry](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/kristin_berry_photo_square.jpg?itok=fJAKVWYl)
Kristin Berry, Wildlife Biologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Profile WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Bowen%20bio.jpg?itok=ILvZ-khQ)
Lizabeth Bowen, Ecologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Brooks Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Matt%20Brooks%20headshot_Square_0.jpg?itok=Ee63ywLB)
Matt Brooks, Ecologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![WERC scientist Mike Casazza](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Casazza_square.jpg?itok=vNbVwjxs)
Mike Casazza, Wildlife Biologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Coates Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/IMG_8018_Square.jpg?itok=tGH606bA)
Pete Coates, Wildlife Biologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Person placeholder](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/placeholder-profile_1.png?itok=bqSNXN7e)
Adrian Das, Ecologist
Sequoia Kings Canyon Field Station
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![De La Cruz Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/gen33461SusanScoterCapture_Square.jpg?itok=uqWD8FI6)
Susan De La Cruz, Wildlife Biologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Photo of WERC scientist Lesley DeFalco](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/DeFalcoField_square.jpg?itok=aGj2MICB)
Lesley DeFalco, Plant Ecologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Photo of WERC scientist Todd Esque](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Esque%2520Todd%2520at%2520Tikaboo_square.jpg?itok=geex4bC9)
Todd Esque, Ecologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Fisher Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Robert_Fisher_Square.jpg?itok=XCf5w7wI)
Robert Fisher, Biologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Halstead Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Brian%20Halstead%20profile%20pic_Square_0.jpg?itok=oepBRmS1)
Brian Halstead, Wildlife Biologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Keeley Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Jon%20Keeley%202010_Square.jpg?itok=ZXggsufH)
Jon Keeley, Ecologist
Sequoia and Kings Field Station
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Kus Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Barb%20Kus%20Profile%20Pic_Square.jpg?itok=JVKGcX-N)
Barbara Kus, Ecologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Lafferty Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/KevinLaffertySquare.jpg?itok=PF-cWsut)
Kevin Lafferty, Ecologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Longshore Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Kathy%20Longshore_1.11.17_square.jpg?itok=Z_FnfyTu)
Kathleen Longshore, Scientist Emeritus
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![McEachern Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/KMcEachern_Square.jpg?itok=mRTVRfV7)
Kathryn McEachern, Ecologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Stephenson Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Nate%20Stephenson%20Profile%20Pic_Square_0.jpg?itok=G_C_62He)
Nathan Stephenson, Scientist Emeritus
Sequoia Kings Canyon Field Station
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![Thorne Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Karen%20Thorne%20%20profile%20pic_Square_0.jpg?itok=u90KPmCD)
Karen Thorne, Ecologist
![Pagebreak WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/full_width/public/thumbnails/image/PageBreak_0.png?itok=6hP9HTEh)
![van Mantgem Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Phil_van_Mantgem_Square.jpg?itok=cOG2fSGI)
Phillip van Mantgem, Ecologist
![Amy's profile picture](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Vandergast_LakeTahoeUSGS_Square_0.jpg?itok=oA7gCHO1)
Amy Vandergast, Geneticist
![Woman with short hair standing in front of the ocean](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Yee%40LML20190805_110200_cropped.jpg?itok=CTeEhxAT)
Julie Yee, Statistician
Here at the Western Ecological Research Center, we strive to provide the most current and exciting science. This is not possible without our dedicated scientists. WERC has a total of 21 research scientists whose study findings inform and support management decisions by other agencies. These decisions can influence how communities protect their coastlines, preserve forests, and monitor sensitive species. Click on each scientist's name or photo to learn more about their research and expertise and see recent publications.
![Ackerman Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Josh%20with%20Grebe_Square.jpg?itok=eumUzM9J)
Josh Ackerman, Wildlife Biologist
![Adams Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Josh%20Adams_profile%20pic_Square.jpg?itok=E_ESMLNo)
Josh Adams, Biologist
![Photo of WERC scientist Kristin Berry](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/kristin_berry_photo_square.jpg?itok=fJAKVWYl)
Kristin Berry, Wildlife Biologist
![Profile WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Bowen%20bio.jpg?itok=ILvZ-khQ)
Lizabeth Bowen, Ecologist
![Brooks Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Matt%20Brooks%20headshot_Square_0.jpg?itok=Ee63ywLB)
Matt Brooks, Ecologist
![WERC scientist Mike Casazza](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Casazza_square.jpg?itok=vNbVwjxs)
Mike Casazza, Wildlife Biologist
![Coates Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/IMG_8018_Square.jpg?itok=tGH606bA)
Pete Coates, Wildlife Biologist
![Person placeholder](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/placeholder-profile_1.png?itok=bqSNXN7e)
Adrian Das, Ecologist
Sequoia Kings Canyon Field Station
![De La Cruz Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/gen33461SusanScoterCapture_Square.jpg?itok=uqWD8FI6)
Susan De La Cruz, Wildlife Biologist
![Photo of WERC scientist Lesley DeFalco](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/DeFalcoField_square.jpg?itok=aGj2MICB)
Lesley DeFalco, Plant Ecologist
![Photo of WERC scientist Todd Esque](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Esque%2520Todd%2520at%2520Tikaboo_square.jpg?itok=geex4bC9)
Todd Esque, Ecologist
![Fisher Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Robert_Fisher_Square.jpg?itok=XCf5w7wI)
Robert Fisher, Biologist
![Halstead Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Brian%20Halstead%20profile%20pic_Square_0.jpg?itok=oepBRmS1)
Brian Halstead, Wildlife Biologist
![Keeley Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Jon%20Keeley%202010_Square.jpg?itok=ZXggsufH)
Jon Keeley, Ecologist
Sequoia and Kings Field Station
![Kus Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Barb%20Kus%20Profile%20Pic_Square.jpg?itok=JVKGcX-N)
Barbara Kus, Ecologist
![Lafferty Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/KevinLaffertySquare.jpg?itok=PF-cWsut)
Kevin Lafferty, Ecologist
![Longshore Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Kathy%20Longshore_1.11.17_square.jpg?itok=Z_FnfyTu)
Kathleen Longshore, Scientist Emeritus
![McEachern Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/KMcEachern_Square.jpg?itok=mRTVRfV7)
Kathryn McEachern, Ecologist
![Stephenson Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Nate%20Stephenson%20Profile%20Pic_Square_0.jpg?itok=G_C_62He)
Nathan Stephenson, Scientist Emeritus
Sequoia Kings Canyon Field Station
![Thorne Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Karen%20Thorne%20%20profile%20pic_Square_0.jpg?itok=u90KPmCD)
Karen Thorne, Ecologist
![van Mantgem Square WERC](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Phil_van_Mantgem_Square.jpg?itok=cOG2fSGI)
Phillip van Mantgem, Ecologist
![Amy's profile picture](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Vandergast_LakeTahoeUSGS_Square_0.jpg?itok=oA7gCHO1)
Amy Vandergast, Geneticist
![Woman with short hair standing in front of the ocean](https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/s3fs-public/styles/side_image/public/thumbnails/image/Yee%40LML20190805_110200_cropped.jpg?itok=CTeEhxAT)
Julie Yee, Statistician