Dr. Katie Krafte Holland (she/her)
Research Scientist
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Dr. Katie Krafte Holland is a conservation social scientist and Research Scientist at Virginia Tech. Katie joined the Dayer Lab after spending 4 years as a faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in the Environmental Science department. As a researcher, Katie focuses on human dimensions of conservation including protected area management, community engagement in conservation, human-wildlife interactions, and strategic conservation planning. Prior to her time at UNCW, Katie completed her PhD in Parks and Conservation Area Management at Clemson University where she focused on human-wildlife interactions, wildlife tourism and community involvement in conservation efforts. In addition to her doctorate, she holds a Master’s in Zoology from Miami University and a B.A from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in Biology and Education. Katie’s work has taken her to 6 continents to explore and experience the many opportunities and challenges associated with conservation management. In addition to her extensive experience in conservation social science, Katie brings a passion for both people and wildlife to the lab. Katie believes humans are an integral part of conservation success and strives to leverage human dimensions strategies in efforts to support species recovery.
In the Dayer Lab, Katie’s work focuses on supporting the bird conservation community in integrating social science to recover rapidly declining bird populations. Katie serves as the co-chair for the North American Bird Conservation Initiatives’ Human Dimensions subcommittee. She also is the staff social scientist for the Road to Recovery, an initiative dedicated to reversing the declines of Tipping Point bird species. Katie lives and works in North Carolina and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and 3 awesome kids, watching her kids explore sports, playing/learning to play tennis, listening to live music, baking, watching the Tar Heels and Red Sox and learning to play the banjo.