Neil Carter Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability 115 Manly Miles Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824, USA Email: Cartern7@msu.edu

 

Education

• Ph.D., Michigan State University, Fisheries and Wildlife Management, 2007- present
• M.S., University of Michigan, Terrestrial Ecosystems, 2005-2007
• B.S., University of California, San Diego, Evolution and Behavioral Ecology, 1999-2003
  

Research Goals and Interests:

My personal and professional goals involve identifying and promoting conditions that enable long-term co-existence between human populations and wildlife.  These goals have directed me towards research projects that integrate ecological and human dimensions for conservation purposes.  I conducted my Master's research in the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan.  I developed a spatially explicit ecological model (hierarchical discrete-choice models using Bayesian inference) of Black Bear (Ursus americanus) habitat suitability throughout Michigan's Lower Peninsula.  Additionally, I used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to integrate attitudinal survey data (Social Carrying Capacity) with the results of the ecological model to map areas of potential human/bear conflict.  The results from this research have been used by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as part of their Black Bear management initiatives.

I am currently conducting my Ph.D. research in the Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability at Michigan State University.  I intend to develop a systems model of human/Tiger (Panthera tigris) interrelationships in and around the Chitwan National Park in Nepal.  I will evaluate the relationships between human activities (influenced by socio-economic, demographic, and institutional factors) and ecologically suitable Tiger habitat (determined from remotely sensed images, flora data, and field data) through space and time.  In addition, I will evaluate the social suitability of Tiger habitat in the study region (based on results from a questionnaire) to be incorporated into the systems modeling framework.  Ultimately, I plan to develop a generalized human/Tiger systems model that can be used to develop conservation initiatives that promote long-term co-existence between humans and Tigers across the Tiger's range.

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Grants & Awards:

• Michigan State University Pre-dissertation Travel Award (2008)
• Michigan State University Distinguished Fellowship (2007)
• Two Graduate Student Instructor Appointments (2006, 2007)
• Howard M. Wight Memorial Award from the School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan (2007)
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources Research Grant (2007)
• Joseph G. Schotthoefer Memorial Student Award from Safari Club International (2006)
• University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School Discretionary Fund (2006)