Cassandre Venumière-Lefebvre
[Pronounced: Cassand]
PhD Student – Wildlife Conservation
I grew up in France, between Paris and Normandie. I pursued a B.S. in Biology and Evolution at Paris Saclay University. Wanting to expose myself to novel ways to do science and think society’s interactions with wildlife, I traveled to Colorado and volunteered for the National Park Service. My work there involved measuring the ecological impacts of the removal of a large predator, wolves. It introduced me to conservation science, and I decided to pursue a master’s degree in Conservation Ecology at Paris Saclay University. During my Master’s, I came back to Colorado and joined CSU’s Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence as an intern, where I explored definitions and metrics of
coexistence between humans and carnivores throughout the world. I graduated in 2020 and, by then feeling at home in Colorado, I stayed at CSU to continue my studies as a Ph.D. student.
My research explores human-carnivore interactions through biology, spatial ecology, social science, and policy. With the PLPG, I study policy instruments used to reduce urban conflict between people and American black bears in Colorado. I partner with city governments, non-profit organizations, and wildlife management agencies throughout the state and hope to learn from them to identify conflict-reduction strategies that can be used by other communities in Colorado.
Caitlyn Cruz
MS Student – Rangeland Ecosystem Science
I am from Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico, and grew up on the reservation. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science and Chemistry from New Mexico State University. My academic journey was fueled by a desire to bridge the gap between traditional indigenous knowledge and modern STEM fields.
Living in Northern New Mexico, I have experienced impacts of wildfires such as the Los Conchas Fire and Hermit’s Peak Fire, which sparked a personal mission to explore fire management and operations from both a scientific and cultural perspective.
At Colorado State University, I have taken on the role of Graduate Research Assistant.
My work centers on assessing the post-wildland fire management impact on Southwest tribes in the United States. My research enforces my commitment to bringing indigenous voices to the forefront of environmental policy and decision-making processes. I have a strong passion and dedication to indigenous rights, environmental justice, and want to contribute to the integration of traditional knowledge into STEM fields.
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