Research
The IIC engages in interdisciplinary and collaborative research with conservation partners to meet conservation needs
Tackling complex conservation challenges requires that we bring together a diverse community that blends expertise from across disciplines, sectors, and knowledge systems to advance integrative biodiversity conservation solutions.
The IIC bridges the research-action gap in conservation by bringing together W&M students, faculty, and external partners to conduct applied, integrative research needed to advance conservation outcomes. We aim to build long-term partnerships with faculty and conservation partners to advance innovative solutions that balance biodiversity conservation and human wellbeing.
We cultivate focused collaborations with conservation partners, through which students explore the transformative innovations that occur when people from different disciplines and perspectives work together. The research experience allows students to apply their classroom learning to address real biodiversity conservation challenges.
The primary objectives of IIC research are:
- To increase capacity of conservation partners by supporting applied biodiversity research and solution development
- To develop and nurture W&M students and emerging conservationists around the world as the next generation of conservation leaders
The IIC's Conservation Research Program (CRP) supports student-led research in several formats, including our year-long program, semester projects, faculty-led research, and Conservation GIS Lab. These formats provide unique opportunities for W&M students, W&M faculty, and conservation partners to engage in applied research designed to support partners with their conservation outcomes and to nurture the next generation of conservation leaders.
Our research opportunities are open to W&M undergraduate students regardless of major. We welcome engagement from W&M students, faculty, and existing or potential conservation partners. Check out our current research and our research portfolio for details on projects and outcomes of IIC research.
The student application period for the Spring 2025 Conservation GIS Lab will open in early December 2024.
The student application for the 2026 year-long CRP will open in fall 2025.
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An IIC Research Experience
{{youtube:medium|qYv_NTFUNX4,IIC students Bibiana Mirones and Jordan Bryant highlight their work on development of vegetation analysis tools for local communities in natural areas. This project will provide an opportunity to test the tools in collaboration with communities as part of the process to strengthen and adoption of this methodology, as a useful learning resource at the community level. Video by Bibiana Mirones and Jordan Bryant Conservation Partners: Community of San Pablo Oztotepec, Milpa Alta and the Faculty of Sciences of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Faculty Mentors: Dr. Fernando Galeana-Rodriguez and Dr. Martha Case.}}
W&M Students Collaborate on Conservation Innovation in Madagascar
{{youtube:medium|8cNLp3BC1WM,A team of William & Mary and Malagasy students is working with Conservation International staff and faculty mentors to develop a low-cost water sensor that will advance community monitoring of watersheds in Madagascar and in Virginia. Video by Virginia Johnson, 2024.}}
