Christina Aiello

Research Associate

she/her

aielloc [at] oregonstate.edu

I conduct research related to applied ecology, wildlife conservation, and human impacts on ecological processes, especially in arid systems like the Mojave Desert. Working with partners in wildlife management, I develop tools and data that inform strategies to preserve and monitor wildlife populations. My experience spans projects focused on wildlife epidemiology, population and movement ecology, and connectivity modeling. At OSU I work with Dr. Clinton Epps to assess & identify ways to improve desert bighorn sheep metapopulation connectivity in the face of human-caused habitat fragmentation.

At OSU

Affiliated with:

Fisheries and Wildlife

Headquarters:

OSU Main Campus

Career Links:

Desert bighorn sheep connectivity project

Lab Group:

Clinton Epps

Biography

I grew up in the Southside of Chicago and perhaps because of my urban surroundings, became drawn to wide open spaces and natural places. After getting my BSc at Elmhurst College, I headed west to conduct wildlife research and monitoring. Working with the USGS on desert tortoise research solidified my love of desert ecosystems. I've since focused my career on conducting applied research focused on Mojave Desert wildlife, first as a PhD student at Penn State University, and then as a Postdoctoral Fellow for the National Park Foundation and OSU. I'm currently a Research Associate and work on projects related to desert bighorn sheep habitat use, movement ecology, and management.

Professional Accomplishments

Education:

Ph.D., Ecology, 2018, Pennsylvania State University

B.S., Biology, 2006, Elmhurst College

My Awards

Honors and Awards:

September 2019, named National Park Foundation Science Fellow

My Publications

ResearchGate

My Media

My News Articles: