I’m Andis. I am a data scientist and evolutionary ecologist with special interest in understanding how lands management impacts eco-evolutionary trajectories and wilderness character.

I received my PhD from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in the Skelly Lab. I currently work as a professional data scientist after deciding to leave academia. Here is a copy of my CV.

My doctoral work looked at the way human-induced landscape and climate changes influence rapid, fine-scale evolution. I integrated ecological genomics, ecophysiology, and metapopulation ecology with a heavy dose of statistical modeling and machine learning.

Previously, I attended the University of Montana, where I received my Masters of Environmental Science from the Environmental Studies department. For my masters, I worked with the Western Transportation Institute and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on wildlife roadcrossing structures for large mammals. I received my bachelor degree from Northland College in northern Wisconsin which focused on Wilderness philosophy and management.

Between undergrad and graduate school, I ran a wilderness research program for the Sitka Conservation Society in Southeast Alaska. Around the same time, I helped found the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance (from which I recently retired after 6 years on the Board of Directors).

I also love taking photos and working on communications projects. I own a small communication’s business Nunatak Design. I really enjoy collaborating on diverse project from documentary films (check out The Meaning of Wild) to scientific illustration (with my partner, Bayla).

When not involved in academic endeavors, I love reading and outdoor expeditions. For at least a portion of each summer I return to Alaska to guide wilderness expeditions for National Geographic/Alaska Discovery and Spirit Walker Expeditions. I am a certified ACA Open Water Sea Kayak Instructor, Wilderness First Responder, and Leave-No-Trace Master Educator.

I’m a first-generation college student from a lower-class family, and my path to doctoral research has been a long and sinuous one. Recently, I was fortunate to have (although terrified of) the opportunity to tell the story of my journey to evolutionary research as part of the Story Collider podcast. You can listen to the episode below.