image: Dr. Serra Hoagland at work conducting spotted owl research. view more
Credit: Serra Hoagland
FORT COLLINS, Colo., July 25, 2023 – Dr. Serra J. Hoagland (Laguna Pueblo) has been named a 2023 Fellow by The Wildlife Society. TWS is an international network of professionals dedicated to wildlife conservation and management. Hoagland is a Tribal Relations Specialist for the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station and has an extensive background as a biological scientist and Certified Wildlife Biologist. As a Tribal Member of Laguna Pueblo, New Mexico, Hoagland is driven by a passion for both ecological preservation as well as engaging and empowering indigenous youth interested in biological sciences. “We are proud to have Serra on our team and proud of her research and efforts to encourage natural curiosity and build confidence in the indigenous students who will in turn help shape our future,” said Sara Brown, Serra’s supervisor and research program manager.
Hoagland’s nomination came from a network of professionals she has worked with at TWS, one of whom is Dr. Carol L. Chambers, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at Northern Arizona University.
“Dr. Hoagland has, throughout her time in TWS, made an impact and benefited others. Her exceptional service to the Wildlife Society and the wildlife profession makes her highly deserving of this recognition,” Chambers said.
The nomination highlights Hoagland’s work with up-and-coming science students. Hoagland was awarded the Native American Student Professional Development Grant from the Native Peoples Wildlife Management Working Group in 2010 and 2011. Since that time, she has been engaged in recruiting and mentoring Native students in research on both public and tribal lands.
Additionally, through this work, Serra has inspired others to approach stewardship from an intergenerational indigenous and scientific perspective.
Hoagland has been long been combining her extensive scientific expertise with her deep-rooted commitment to fostering connections between indigenous communities and the natural world. A great deal of her contributions within The Wildlife Society has been with The Native People’s Wildlife Management working group.
"It has been wonderful to witness The Wildlife Society's increased accessibility to young scientists and greater representation of Native voices," said Hoagland. Emphasizing the significance of Indigenous representation to other tribal members, Hoagland added, "It’s become common to see land acknowledgements and tribal representation at TWS ceremonies and events. This encourages the community to approach our science with greater consideration for the original stewards of the land."
Hoagland’s contributions extend beyond encouraging and securing involvement from tribal communities. Much of her research has focused on the Mexican spotted owl, its habitat, and the impact of conservation efforts to this threatened species in our changing climate. Her research on the influence that wildfires have had on nesting and roosting habitat of the Mexican spotted owl in south-central New Mexico has had a marked impact on the forest management and recovery plans for the species.
Learn more about Hoagland’s work with the U.S. Forest Service and the contributions to wildlife management:
- Dr. Serra J. Hoagland’s research profile
- Meet Biological Scientist Serra J. Hoagland
- Serra J Hoagland: Faces of the Forest Service
- Fire Ecology and Management: Past, present, and future of U.S. forested ecosystems
- Spatial and temporal dynamics of Mexican spotted owl habitat in the southwestern US
- The “living map” of Mexican spotted owl habitat
Dr. Hoagland will be invited to accept the fellowship at The Wildlife Society’s annual conference in November 2023. Information about the conference and other 2023 honorees can be found in this news release from The Wildlife Society, TWS announces 2023 awards recipients - The Wildlife Society.
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