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I am a policy advisor for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and have written and taught on matters related to soil conservation, ecological restoration, and the use of conservation easements as a land protection tool on private lands.  I recently returned to the KSU Geography Department in the Fall of 2016 to pursue doctoral research related to how agricultural methods in modern and ancient agricultural landscapes can inform innovative conservation strategies.  In particular, my research aims to support restorative agricultural efforts through increased understanding of resource governance within socio-ecological systems, including exploring how factors such land tenure and participation in farmers' cooperatives can impact soil health and other indices of sustainability.