Join the Urban Ecology Collaborative on Wednesday, March 20 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am as they learn from Mia Wavrek in her talk titled, "Urban Climate Adaptation at the USGS Climate Adaptation Science Centers."

Abstract: The USGS National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs) is a partnership-driven program that teams scientists with natural and cultural resource managers and local communities to help fish, wildlife, water, land, and people adapt to a changing climate. In 2020, recognizing a gap in program delivery, the CASC network established an urban research priority with the desired outcomes of advancing climate adaptation science in urban environments, advancing equity in CASC program delivery, and improving the execution of the CASC and Department of Interior missions. As the dedicated ORISE participant supporting these efforts, Mia will highlight the history of the CASC urban research priority and implementation efforts to date, including the upcoming Climate Adaptation Virtual Symposium.

Presenter Bio: Mia Wavrek (she/hers) is an ORISE Research Participant in Urban Ecology and Native Plants with the USGS National Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CASCs). In this role, Mia supports the development of an urban research priority and is a core member of the CASC’s DEIA team where she is involved in the development and implementation of the CASC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) strategic plan. Her research focuses on climate impacts to native plants with an emphasis on climate-resilient species in support of lepidoptera and specialist bees.

Mia received a Master’s in Geology with a focus on urban forest management and conservation from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a Bachelor’s of Science in Ecology and Evolution from the University of Pittsburgh. Some of her favorite things to do include trying new restaurants and food, running, exploring different cities and neighborhoods, and snuggling her temperamental orange cat who barely tolerates it.