Ashley Long, Ph.D., has joined the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management as an associate professor and Caesar Kleberg Endowed Chair in Wildlife Ecology with a focus on avian ecology and conservation.
Long’s academic appointment is research-focused with a secondary emphasis on teaching.
Her primary research endeavors focus on avian ecology and management, but she also works with bats and other wildlife.
“I think the biggest drivers behind my work are curiosity, a love of the natural world, and the desire to help identify practices we can implement at both small and large scales to advance conservation,” Long said.
Long plans to incorporate these elements into her undergraduate and graduate coursework, with a deliberate focus on relevant and applied field-based experiences.
“It’s very important that our students gain practical experience both in the field with data collection and management techniques, as well as in the classroom utilizing data to answer research questions,” she said.
Translating science into management actions
Long said her ongoing research projects will provide ample opportunities for student development and exploration.
“We use field observations, emerging technologies and geospatial data to study how vegetation management, development and natural landscape alterations influence species’ distributions and wildlife population dynamics,” she said.
Long will initially teach an undergraduate course in avian conservation and management, as well as a data-focused graduate course emphasizing analysis and scientific writing. Both courses will underscore the importance of effective communication and other core skills needed to be a successful natural resource professional.
“Our department’s coursework focuses on relevant issues facing ecosystems and land managers today,” Long said. “This empowers our students to enter the workforce knowledgeable and able to communicate science-based solutions and management recommendations to diverse audiences.”
Return to Texas A&M a full-circle moment
Long earned a doctorate in wildlife and fisheries sciences from Texas A&M University and previously served as a research scientist with the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute.
Before returning to Texas A&M, she served as an associate professor and wildlife Extension specialist with Louisiana State University.
“My time in Extension was integral to my professional development and will continue to play an important role in shaping both my research and teaching philosophy,” she said. “As scientists, we are here to discover and provide tools or solutions to address natural resource challenges, and I emphasize that to my students.”
