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Dawn E. Childs

I perform best in a diverse, high-paced, forward-thinking, creative, positive, empowering, relevant workplace. Leave no one behind: every person is unique and has unique contributions. I engage diverse people. My position is dynamic: engagement, outreach, diversity inclusion. I include, listen to, and learn from staff outside my work group, external friends, partners, and local communities.

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I am a thrill-seeking person who enjoys outdoors activities near the water.

Research Interests

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace, science outreach, human dimensions, community involvement, safeguarding the rights of small communities who depend on hunting and commercial fishing for their livelihoods. 

Professional Experience

  • Communicate science to The Department of the Interior Bureaus, and partners. Improve and enhance coordination with the USGS Office of Communications and Publishing to meet public affairs and congressional outreach needs; collaborate with cooperators and partners; and lead change in workplace culture and advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.

  • Improve and enhance coordination with the USGS Office of Communications and Publishing to meet public affairs and congressional outreach needs; collaborate with cooperators and partners; and lead change in workplace culture and advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.

Education and Certifications

  • Certificate Workshop University of Wyoming Inclusionary and Global Leadership Program, Basics of Data Storytelling (2021)

  • Certificate University of South Florida DEIA, Stereotypes and Biases (2021)

  • MA, Natural Resources, Virginia Tech (2007)

  • Certificate Geographic Information Systems, Florida Atlantic University (2001)

  • BA, Urban Affairs and Planning, Virginia Tech (1995)

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • American Fisheries Society

  • Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

  • The Department of the Interior Diversity Partners Community of Practice

  • The Wildlife Society

  • Interagency Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Discussion Group

  • USGS Disability Inclusion Network Employee Resource Group

Honors and Awards

  • Secretary of the Interior Diversity Award honors employees who provide exemplary service to the Department in its efforts to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (2021)

  • USGS Diversity Award recognizes the outstanding efforts of the USGS Employee Resource Groups for their exceptional work with the USGS Special Emphasis Programs (2021)

  • USGS Star Award, 1st Annual USGS Grassroots Symposium Planning Team (2021)

Abstracts and Presentations

  • (2022) Introduction to the U.S. Geological Survey Disability Inclusion Network Employee Resource Group, 2022 USGS 2nd Annual Grassroots Symposium. October 26-28. U.S. Geological Survey National Center.

  • (2021) Introduction to the U.S. Geological Survey Disability Inclusion Network Employee Resource Group, 2021 USGS 1st Annual Grassroots Symposium. October 26-28. U.S. Geological Survey National Center.

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 15

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2022 year in review

Established in 1935, the CRU program is a unique cooperative partnership among State Fish and Wildlife agencies, host universities, Wildlife Management Institute, U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Designed to meet the scientific needs of natural resource management agencies and to produce trained wildlife management professionals, the program has grown from the origin
By
Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program — 2021 year in review

Established in 1935, the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program is a unique cooperative partnership among State fish and wildlife agencies, universities, the Wildlife Management Institute, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Designed to meet the scientific needs of natural resource management agencies and the necessity for trained professionals in the
By
Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2020 Year in review

Established in 1935, the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program (CRU program) is a unique cooperative partnership among State fish and wildlife agencies, universities, the Wildlife Management Institute, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Designed to meet the scientific needs of natural resource management agencies and the necessity for trained
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2020 research abstracts

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves as the research arm of the U.S. Department of the Interior and has established a series of strategic goals that focus its efforts on serving the American people. Within the USGS, the Ecosystems Mission Area is responsible for conducting and sponsoring research that addresses the following thematic objectives under the overarching strategic goal of “Science
By
Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2019 year in review

Acting Chief’s MessageDear Cooperators:Members of the Cooperative Research Units are pleased to provide you with the “2019 Year in Review” report for the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRUs). You will first note that this report looks a little different than those published in the past few years, as we opted for a shorter, more concise format this year. Inside you will find brief de
By
Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2019 year in review postcard

Acting Chief’s MessageDear friends,I invite you to take a look at U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1463, “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2019 Year in Review,” now available at https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1463. In this report, you will find details about the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program concerning fish and wildlife science, students, staffing, vacan
By
Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2018 year in review

The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program had an interesting and challenging year in 2018. We made significant strategic advances on many fronts and had setbacks in others.Our relationship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency we belonged to from 1935 to the mid-1990s, was further reinforced through strategic efforts with the Service’s Science Applications senior
By
Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2018 year in review postcard

This postcard provides details about the "Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2018 Year in Review," U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1452, now available at https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1452. In this report, you will find details about the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program relating to its background, fish and wildlife science, students, staffing, vacancies, re
By
Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2017 year in review postcard

This postcard provides details about the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2017 Year in Review, U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1438, now available at https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1438. In this report, you will find details about the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) Program relating to its background, fish and wildlife science, students, staffing, vacancies, rese
By
Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2017 year in review

The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program was involved in a number of notable events during 2017, many concerning our personnel. Dr. Barry Grand left his position as Leader of the Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit to become the Cooperative Units Program Supervisor for the South, replacing Dr. Kevin Whalen who took over as Supervisor for the West. We welcomed Dr. Sa
By
Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units - A model partnership program

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program is a unique model of cooperative partnership among the USGS, other U.S. Department of the Interior and Federal agencies, universities, State fish and wildlife agencies, and the Wildlife Management Institute. These partnerships are maintained as one of the USGS’s strongest links to Federal and State land an
By
Cooperative Research Units

U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2016–2017 Research Abstracts

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has several strategic goals that focus its efforts on serving the American people. The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area has responsibility for the following objectives under the strategic goal of “Science to Manage and Sustain Resources for Thriving Economies and Healthy Ecosystems”:Understand, model, and predict change in natural systemsConserve and protect wildlife
By
Cooperative Research Units
link
The USGS Coastal Change Hazards Portal shows a screenshot of Hurricane Zeta approaching the northern U.S. Gulf Coast

Hurricane Portfolio

Research conducted as part of the CRU program is determined, approved, and supported by each unit’s coordinating committee composed of representatives from the USGS, one or more of the respective State fish and wildlife agencies, the host university, the Wildlife Management Institute, and the USFWS. The stakeholder-driven nature of the program’s research portfolio is designed to ensure that the...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units
link

Hurricane Portfolio

Research conducted as part of the CRU program is determined, approved, and supported by each unit’s coordinating committee composed of representatives from the USGS, one or more of the respective State fish and wildlife agencies, the host university, the Wildlife Management Institute, and the USFWS. The stakeholder-driven nature of the program’s research portfolio is designed to ensure that the...
Learn More
link
A group of people on a canoe on a river with fishing poles

Fishing and Hunting

This page is a work in progress and showcases fishing and hunting as a way of life, a food source, and recreational opportunity for millions of Americans. The management of fish and wildlife populations for the benefit of current and future generations is the foundation of our Nation’s conservation heritage. We help to inform decisions through a variety of actions, from the development and...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units
link

Fishing and Hunting

This page is a work in progress and showcases fishing and hunting as a way of life, a food source, and recreational opportunity for millions of Americans. The management of fish and wildlife populations for the benefit of current and future generations is the foundation of our Nation’s conservation heritage. We help to inform decisions through a variety of actions, from the development and...
Learn More
Gulf Sturgeon
link
White-tailed deer and chronic wasting disease
link
Chronic wasting disease
link
Chronic wasting disease
link
Chronic wasting disease
link
Chronic wasting disease
link
Chronic wasting disease
link
link

Bird of Courage

When celebrating Thanksgiving with your family this year, remember that the turkey is not just the main course, but, as Benjamin Franklin said, it’s...

Read Article
link

Research to Recover Threatened Waterfowl: USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Supervisor Receives Prestigious U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Champion Award

USGS scientist James “Barry” Grand, Ph.D., has been named a 2016 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Champion (Region 7) for his exemplary long...

Read Article
link

A Grand Slam for Students, Schools and Science

"It’s a grand slam for all involved,” said Dawn Childs, USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units.  “Recent high school graduates with special...

Read Article
link

Wild Turkey Talk

A group of turkeys is referred to as either a rafter or a gang.  So this Thanksgiving, when celebrating with your own gang, remember the turkey as...

Read Article
link

Hot off the Press! Great Balls of Fire!

The USGS Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in partnership with the Nebraska Intelligent MoBile Unmanned Systems Lab (NIMBUS) and...

Read Article
link

Pardon Me, Mr. President, I’m Just a Wild Turkey

At the founding of this nation, Benjamin Franklin wrote his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Bache, endorsing the turkey as the national bird. He believed the...
Read Article
link

World's Largest Alligator Satellite Telemetry Study Raises the Bar in Lowcountry

The largest American alligator satellite telemetry-tracking study worldwide is lurking in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

Read Article
link

Pollinators Get a National Strategy to Restore Their Health

Small bees that don’t bother or sting us can remain unstudied despite their abundance. 

Read Article

Science and Products

  • Publications
    Filter Total Items: 15

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2022 year in review

    Established in 1935, the CRU program is a unique cooperative partnership among State Fish and Wildlife agencies, host universities, Wildlife Management Institute, U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Designed to meet the scientific needs of natural resource management agencies and to produce trained wildlife management professionals, the program has grown from the origin
    By
    Cooperative Research Units

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program — 2021 year in review

    Established in 1935, the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program is a unique cooperative partnership among State fish and wildlife agencies, universities, the Wildlife Management Institute, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Designed to meet the scientific needs of natural resource management agencies and the necessity for trained professionals in the
    By
    Cooperative Research Units

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2020 Year in review

    Established in 1935, the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program (CRU program) is a unique cooperative partnership among State fish and wildlife agencies, universities, the Wildlife Management Institute, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Designed to meet the scientific needs of natural resource management agencies and the necessity for trained
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2020 research abstracts

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) serves as the research arm of the U.S. Department of the Interior and has established a series of strategic goals that focus its efforts on serving the American people. Within the USGS, the Ecosystems Mission Area is responsible for conducting and sponsoring research that addresses the following thematic objectives under the overarching strategic goal of “Science
    By
    Cooperative Research Units

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2019 year in review

    Acting Chief’s MessageDear Cooperators:Members of the Cooperative Research Units are pleased to provide you with the “2019 Year in Review” report for the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRUs). You will first note that this report looks a little different than those published in the past few years, as we opted for a shorter, more concise format this year. Inside you will find brief de
    By
    Cooperative Research Units

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2019 year in review postcard

    Acting Chief’s MessageDear friends,I invite you to take a look at U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1463, “Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2019 Year in Review,” now available at https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1463. In this report, you will find details about the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program concerning fish and wildlife science, students, staffing, vacan
    By
    Cooperative Research Units

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2018 year in review

    The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program had an interesting and challenging year in 2018. We made significant strategic advances on many fronts and had setbacks in others.Our relationship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency we belonged to from 1935 to the mid-1990s, was further reinforced through strategic efforts with the Service’s Science Applications senior
    By
    Cooperative Research Units

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units program—2018 year in review postcard

    This postcard provides details about the "Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2018 Year in Review," U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1452, now available at https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1452. In this report, you will find details about the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program relating to its background, fish and wildlife science, students, staffing, vacancies, re
    By
    Cooperative Research Units

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2017 year in review postcard

    This postcard provides details about the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2017 Year in Review, U.S. Geological Survey Circular 1438, now available at https://doi.org/10.3133/cir1438. In this report, you will find details about the Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) Program relating to its background, fish and wildlife science, students, staffing, vacancies, rese
    By
    Cooperative Research Units

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2017 year in review

    The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program was involved in a number of notable events during 2017, many concerning our personnel. Dr. Barry Grand left his position as Leader of the Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit to become the Cooperative Units Program Supervisor for the South, replacing Dr. Kevin Whalen who took over as Supervisor for the West. We welcomed Dr. Sa
    By
    Cooperative Research Units

    Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units - A model partnership program

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program is a unique model of cooperative partnership among the USGS, other U.S. Department of the Interior and Federal agencies, universities, State fish and wildlife agencies, and the Wildlife Management Institute. These partnerships are maintained as one of the USGS’s strongest links to Federal and State land an
    By
    Cooperative Research Units

    U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2016–2017 Research Abstracts

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has several strategic goals that focus its efforts on serving the American people. The USGS Ecosystems Mission Area has responsibility for the following objectives under the strategic goal of “Science to Manage and Sustain Resources for Thriving Economies and Healthy Ecosystems”:Understand, model, and predict change in natural systemsConserve and protect wildlife
    By
    Cooperative Research Units
  • Science
    link
    The USGS Coastal Change Hazards Portal shows a screenshot of Hurricane Zeta approaching the northern U.S. Gulf Coast

    Hurricane Portfolio

    Research conducted as part of the CRU program is determined, approved, and supported by each unit’s coordinating committee composed of representatives from the USGS, one or more of the respective State fish and wildlife agencies, the host university, the Wildlife Management Institute, and the USFWS. The stakeholder-driven nature of the program’s research portfolio is designed to ensure that the...
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units
    link

    Hurricane Portfolio

    Research conducted as part of the CRU program is determined, approved, and supported by each unit’s coordinating committee composed of representatives from the USGS, one or more of the respective State fish and wildlife agencies, the host university, the Wildlife Management Institute, and the USFWS. The stakeholder-driven nature of the program’s research portfolio is designed to ensure that the...
    Learn More
    link
    A group of people on a canoe on a river with fishing poles

    Fishing and Hunting

    This page is a work in progress and showcases fishing and hunting as a way of life, a food source, and recreational opportunity for millions of Americans. The management of fish and wildlife populations for the benefit of current and future generations is the foundation of our Nation’s conservation heritage. We help to inform decisions through a variety of actions, from the development and...
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units
    link

    Fishing and Hunting

    This page is a work in progress and showcases fishing and hunting as a way of life, a food source, and recreational opportunity for millions of Americans. The management of fish and wildlife populations for the benefit of current and future generations is the foundation of our Nation’s conservation heritage. We help to inform decisions through a variety of actions, from the development and...
    Learn More
  • Maps
  • Multimedia
    Gulf Sturgeon
    link
    White-tailed deer and chronic wasting disease
    link
    Chronic wasting disease
    link
    Chronic wasting disease
    link
    Chronic wasting disease
    link
    Chronic wasting disease
    link
    Chronic wasting disease
    link
  • Web Tools
  • News
    link

    Bird of Courage

    When celebrating Thanksgiving with your family this year, remember that the turkey is not just the main course, but, as Benjamin Franklin said, it’s...

    Read Article
    link

    Research to Recover Threatened Waterfowl: USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Supervisor Receives Prestigious U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Champion Award

    USGS scientist James “Barry” Grand, Ph.D., has been named a 2016 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recovery Champion (Region 7) for his exemplary long...

    Read Article
    link

    A Grand Slam for Students, Schools and Science

    "It’s a grand slam for all involved,” said Dawn Childs, USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units.  “Recent high school graduates with special...

    Read Article
    link

    Wild Turkey Talk

    A group of turkeys is referred to as either a rafter or a gang.  So this Thanksgiving, when celebrating with your own gang, remember the turkey as...

    Read Article
    link

    Hot off the Press! Great Balls of Fire!

    The USGS Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit in partnership with the Nebraska Intelligent MoBile Unmanned Systems Lab (NIMBUS) and...

    Read Article
    link

    Pardon Me, Mr. President, I’m Just a Wild Turkey

    At the founding of this nation, Benjamin Franklin wrote his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Bache, endorsing the turkey as the national bird. He believed the...
    Read Article
    link

    World's Largest Alligator Satellite Telemetry Study Raises the Bar in Lowcountry

    The largest American alligator satellite telemetry-tracking study worldwide is lurking in South Carolina’s Lowcountry.

    Read Article
    link

    Pollinators Get a National Strategy to Restore Their Health

    Small bees that don’t bother or sting us can remain unstudied despite their abundance. 

    Read Article

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government