Scott Harris
Conservation Research Program Director
[email protected], he/him/his
541-753-3099 x 719
Scott is Director of the Conservation Research (CR) Program at the Institute for Applied Ecology. He is responsible for overall program management – the “research” component of IAE’s mission, supervises and supports the CR staff, and engages with partners to ensure that IAE substantially contributes to furthering restoration science and practice.
Scott has a diverse work and academic background that informs his direction of IAE’s research program. After graduating with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and working as a research engineer at NASA for 5 years, he left for greener pastures to pursue a career in conservation science. After completing a M.S. in Natural Resources Management from the University of Alaska in 2004, he worked in non-profit conservation and restoration work in Alaska, the Western U.S., and Chile. He developed and managed projects in stream and forest restoration, wildlife research, ecological monitoring, and community-based conservation. Most recently, he completed a PhD in Forest Ecology at Oregon State University, where he examined ways to manage production forests with minimal impacts to biodiversity and species of conservation concern. He also brings a unique perspective to IAE’s work as a private landowner conserving and restoring habitat for Fender’s blue butterfly.
When not working, Scott and his family find plenty to do on their small farm in Wren. They also spend a lot of time outside – including camping, hiking, skiing, hunting, canoeing, and exploring the natural and cultural history of Oregon.
