Conservation Research Program
Interdisciplinary & Collaborative Research with Conservation Partners
Tackling complex conservation challenges requires a diverse community of experts across disciplines, sectors, and knowledge systems. The IIC bridges the research-action gap by uniting W&M students, faculty, and external partners to conduct applied research that advances conservation outcomes. We build long-term partnerships to create innovative solutions balancing biodiversity conservation and human well-being.
IIC Research Objectives
- To support external conservation partners with research that advances integrative conservation solutions
- To 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 portfolio for details on projects and outcomes of IIC research.
Submit a proposal for the 2026 CRP by May 1, 2025
- Faculty and conservation partners are invited to submit a proposal for the 2026 CRP by May 1, 2025.
Submit a proposal by May 1, 2025
- The student application for the 2026 year-long CRP will open in fall 2025.
IIC Research Highlights
Supporting Community Science in Mexico
IIC students Bibiana Mirones '22 and Jordan Bryant '23 highlight their research exploring ecological research techniques to monitor community-led restoration of plantations in Milpa Alta, Mexico. With support from Dr. Fernando Galeana-Rodriguez and Dr. Martha Case and in collaboration with the Biological Monitoring Group, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx), the students had the opportunity to contribute to community-led restoration of biodiversity in Mexico.
{{youtube:medium|qYv_NTFUNX4,Video by Bibiana Mirones & Jordan Bryant}}Conservation Innovation in Madagascar
IIC student Virginia Johnson '25 created a video sharing the story of a team of William & Mary and Malagasy students who are working with Conservation International and faculty mentors to develop a low-cost water sensor to advance community monitoring of watersheds in Madagascar.
{{youtube:medium|36U02Wk57zM,Video by Virginia Johnson, 2024}}
