Kristen Lear | Bat Conservation

As a bat conservationist, I seek to develop practical, equitable, and meaningful solutions to bat conservation challenges through collaborative research, partnership with local communities, and public engagement and outreach.

In 2020, I completed my PhD in Integrative Conservation at the University of Georgia focusing on the conservation of endangered pollinating bats in northeast Mexico. Check out a project newsletter here. I'm now Bat Conservation International's Agave Restoration Program Manager leading the organization's bi-national Agave Restoration Initiative to restore and enhance habitat for endangered pollinating bats and support community livelihoods in the US Southwest and Mexico.

I am also passionate about science communication and empowering the next generation of scientists, and am thrilled to be an IF/THEN Ambassador supporting women and girls in STEM/STEAM. I welcome opportunities for presentations and speaking engagements, as well as opportunities to share my experiences as a woman in science and discuss science careers, so feel free to contact me and check out my IF/THEN profile!

NEW! Check out my shop on Redbubble for some unique bat clothes and other swag, designed with images from my bat research from around the world! All proceeds support my bat outreach activities.

https://batsforlife.redbubble.com

Infrared camera bat survey

Understanding foraging behavior of endangered Mexican long-nosed bats (PhD research; northeast Mexico)

Interviewing a Mexican ejido leader

Investigating the potential for "bat-friendly" agave management in northeast Mexican communities (PhD research; northeast Mexico)

Virtual bat education sessions

Giving virtual bat talks to schools and summer camps across the U.S.

Infrared camera bat survey

Understanding foraging behavior of endangered Mexican long-nosed bats (PhD research; northeast Mexico)

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With many thanks to all the organizations that have supported my work:

Bat Conservation International