Knowing Your Field Community: Elevating the Human Dimension in Ecological Research and Teaching

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecology
• Public Health

Background:

• Applied ecology research often overlooks the diverse human communities involved.
• Understanding human dimensions is crucial for effective environmental problem-solving.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a framework for integrating the human dimension into applied ecology research.
• To equip undergraduate students with skills for Anthropocene environmental concerns.
• To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in ecology research and education.

Main Methods:

• Identifying diverse human community groups connected to environmental research problems.
• Developing strategies to incorporate varied community perspectives into research.
• Integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion pedagogy into the 4DEE curricular framework.

Main Results:

• A framework is proposed to elevate the human dimension in applied ecology.
• Strategies are outlined for engaging diverse students in ecological practices.
• A faculty action guide is provided for training a diverse environmental workforce.

Conclusions:

• Incorporating diverse human perspectives enhances ecological research outcomes and resource management.
• Broadening participation in research questions leads to better natural resource management.
• Multicultural approaches in teaching foster an inclusive and effective environmental workforce.