Foster Receives HDNR Rough Patch Rescue Fund

Congratulations to Alexis Foster! Alexis was selected to receive financial support through the HDNR Rough Patch Rescue Fund for 2026. This fund was established by HDNR’s alumni, Dr. Harry Zinn, and is designed to support students with financial aid. Alexis received $500 in assistance through the generosity of Dr. Zinn, the HDNR department, and the HDNR Rough Patch Rescue Fund.

The lab is continuously proud of Alexis’ work in securing external funding. This award will in-part support Alexis’ field component of her doctoral research in Colorado. The lab is deeply appreciative of the department, donors, and support systems like Dr. Zinn and HDNR. Congratulations again Alexis!

Warner College GTA Award goes to Foster

Congratulations to Alexis Foster, she received the Warner College of Natural Resources Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award! Alexis was nominated from multiple faculty members for this award which is given to a student who “served as a teaching assistant in one or more classes offered by a member of Warner College for outstanding performance as a teaching assistant.”

In recognition of her accomplishments, Alexis will receive $500, an inscribed award, and will have a slide recognizing her achievement in the Natural Resources Building Atrium for the upcoming year.

The lab is incredibly proud of Alexis and is delighted that she is being recognized for her dedication and commitment to every aspect of her professional career here at Colorado State University. The award ceremony will be held on April 20th with pictures to follow.

Congratulations to Alexis and the HDNR department for this wonderful recognition!

Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain Scholarship Awarded!

Dr. Christina T. Cavaliere’s commitment to academic mentorship and scholarly excellence has led to a wonderful achievement for her current PhD student, Alexis Foster, who has been awarded the prestigious Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain Scholarship. As the director of the Cavaliere Critical Conservation Lab, housed in the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Department in the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University,  Dr. Cavaliere has cultivated an environment that nurtures rigorous research focused on conservation social science, sustainable tourism, critical thinking and social-ecological justice. Dr. Cavaliere’s nomination articulated Alexis’ contributions to these fields, demonstrating a strong alignment with the intellectual legacy of Dr. Jean Elshtain, whose work in social and political ethics continues to shape academic discourse.

Following a rigorous selection process, Alexis Foster was chosen as a recipient of this distinguished scholarship, recognizing her dedication to interdisciplinary research under Dr. Cavaliere’s tutelage. In the research lab, they extend Dr. Cavaliere’s intersectional research that integrates ecofeminist perspectives,  justice, and sustainable tourism management. Alexis’ scholarship will empower her to continue her doctoral work focused on the impacts of overtourism within Colorado’s Lory State Park and Horsetooth Reservoir.

Congratulations to Dr. Cavaliere for her steadfast mentorship and support of her students and for fostering a research lab that exemplifies critical inquiry. Additionally, congratulations to Alexis Foster for this well-earned scholarly distinction. Their achievements reflect the pursuit of academic excellence and ethical engagement that define the mission of the Dr. Jean Bethke Elshtain Scholarship. Dr. Cav and Alexis extend their deep gratitude to all those involved with the scholarship selection committee!