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
Senior Researcher, Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University (2023-)
- 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.
Program Fellow, Andes Amazon Initiative, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation (2023-2025)
- Co-design, monitor, and adaptively manage 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.
Fellow, Princeton University (2023-2025)
- 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 Reserach Fellow, University of Florida (2015-2020)
- Manager, American Museum of Natural History (2010-2015)
- Research Assistant, International Finance Corporation (2009-2010)