Collaborative Research in Shared Landscapes
The Living with Wildlife (LivWild) Lab at Oregon State University
What We Do
The LivWild Lab explores the social, cultural, and political dimensions of human-wildlife interactions through engaged, interdisciplinary social science. We use a range of qualitative and quantitative methods to assess public and stake- and rightsholder perspectives on wildlife and their management. Our research spans a broad range of topics—from wolf-livestock conflict and urban wildlife management to human-wildlife interactions in protected areas and recreation spaces. At its core, the lab is committed to collaborative research that brings people together to listen, learn, and co-produce knowledge and priorities aimed at fostering more equitable and effective approaches to human-wildlife coexistence.
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Our lab prioritizes collaboration across diverse groups, perspectives, and knowledge systems. We are committed to serving the broad array of people and groups that directly interact with wildlife. Members of our lab are also committed to continuous learning about diversity, equity, and inclusive practices in wildlife research management.
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Our research is grounded in the needs of communities, practitioners, and policymakers. We emphasize the contextual and place-based nature of human-wildlife interactions to ensure our work is relevant and actionable.
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We recognize that trust and reciprocity are essential to meaningful research. Our work is built on respect, long-term relationships, and we are committed to ongoing engagement and knowledge sharing with collaborators.
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We conduct ethical, rigorous, and context-appropriate research. Our methods and approaches are flexible and adaptive, allowing us to respond to changing landscapes and evolving partner priorities.
