Michael Esbach

Biocultural Conservation — Interdisciplinary Resarch — Equitable Partnerships

Education

Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Ecology, University of Florida 2020
B.A. Sustainable Development, University of Virginia 2008

Experience

Colorado State University 2023-Present
Senior Research Associate, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources
  • Foster partnerships with Indigenous peoples in six territories in the Ecuadorian Amazon, co-designing and adapting research projects to meet community needs.
  • Lead data collection and capacity-building initiatives, co-developing culturally relevant instruments and conducting training for co-implementation by Indigenous researchers.
  • Facilitate collaborative data analysis and interpretation, guiding Indigenous partners in using findings to strengthen territorial governance.
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation 2023-2025
Program Fellow, Andes Amazon Initiative
  • Co-designed, monitored, and adaptively managed grants focused on land tenure designation and effective management of Indigenous lands and conservation areas across the Amazon.
  • Developed a theory of change and monitoring plan, including systems for data collection, analysis, and visualization to improve management and strategic decision-making.
  • Led 7 grants ($6 million) and co-lead 11 grants ($12 million) with Indigenous organizations, NGOs, and research institutes to meet designation and management goals.
Princeton University 2021-2023
Associate Research Scholar, High Meadows Environmental Institute
  • Designed and led participatory research projects focused on understanding Indigenous management strategies across multiple territories and nationalities in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
  • Managed complex partnerships, including Indigenous organizations, universities, and students, ensuring collaborative and effective project implementation.
  • Created working group of over 20 Indigenous students on Indigenous environmental science.

Earlier Positions

Postdoctoral Associate, University of Florida 2020-2021
Graduate Research Fellow, University of Florida 2015-2020
Manager, Pacific Programs,American Museum of Natural History 2010-2015
Research Assistant, CommDev, International Finance Corporation 2009-2010

Contact

Conservation Leadership

Over 15 years of experience co-creating stewardship partnerships, leading capacity-building initiatives, and managing complex projects in Amazonia, Melanesia, and Africa.

Interdisciplinary Research

Proven expertise in leading collaborative research projects and translating interdisciplinary science into practical and policy-relevant insights.

Cross-Cultural Partnerships

Deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems, with a strong track record of equitable and effective cross-cultural partnerships.

Data Science & Monitoring

Advanced quantitative skills for ecology and conservation, with expertise in developing monitoring and evaluation systems for data-driven decision-making.

Strategic Planning

Skilled at strategically co-designing, managing, and both securing and granting significant funding for conservation and land tenure security, fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships

Technical Skills

R, Shiny, Quarto, GitHub, GIS, MapLibre, Participatory Mapping