A Mexican ecologist and conservationist , Ezcurra is a leader in environmental science in the U . S . and Mexico . Throughout his career , he has served as director of The Nat ’ s Biodiversity Research Center for the Californias , director of Mexico ’ s National Institute of Ecology , and director of the University of California Institute for Mexico and the United States ( UC MEXUS ). He is now a professor of plant ecology at UC Riverside and sits on The Nat ’ s Board of Directors .
“ Exequiel is an integrative thinker who has made remarkable contributions to conservation in our binational region , and he embodies what we want this position to be ,” said Gradwohl .
The Nat has been doing the research that makes conservation possible for 148 years - studying threatened species , documenting how our natural world is changing , and drawing focus to diverse areas needing protection . The hiring of Thompson in this new position will help The Nat take a more proactive role in applying its science to today ’ s most pressing issues .
Dr . Michelle E . Thompson , pictured with Dr . Exequiel Ezcurra , is the new — and first — Exequiel Ezcurra Director of Conservation Biology at The Nat .
Dr . Michelle E . Thompson ( left ) celebrates results from an expedition with community members from Resguardo Indígena Huitorá , Colombia .
Since joining The Nat in October 2022 , Thompson has been working to prioritize regional conservation needs and define how museum research can aid decision makers . She is also planning the museum ’ s annual State of Biodiversity Symposium , which takes place April 12 , 2023 .
A Southern California native , Thompson comes to San Diego from the Keller Science Action Center at The Field Museum in Chicago . She served as the lead conservation ecologist to create new protected areas and informed land management decisions in the Amazon .
“ Natural history museums can play a large role in conservation - they are doing cutting edge science and using knowledge about the past and present to present solutions for the future ,” said Thompson . “ The Nat has a long history of regional research , collections , and collaborations which are invaluable tools for identifying Southern California and Baja California ’ s greatest conservation challenges and providing recommendations for action .” www . sdnhm . org
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