Erika Zavaleta is a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz. Her research group studies the drivers and consequences of changing biological diversity and the role of ecology in guiding effective conservation practice. Recent and current projects address the effects of climate variability and change on alpine migratory songbirds, desert communities, and tropical conifer distributions; the effectiveness of stream restoration efforts; and adaptation of conservation practices to climate change and to community needs. Her research works to bridge ecological theory, training, and research to sound conservation and management practice, incorporating collaboration with conservation practitioners and elements of economics, public policy, and anthropology.