Molly McCormick
Connecting state-of-the-art science with today's land management challenges.
Biography
My work includes an understanding of complex human and natural systems, the importance of relationships between people and place, and recognition of the policies and social structures that shape our work. As an ecologist, I am interested in the function and restoration of dryland ecosystems: grasslands, scrublands, and woodlands. I work on disturbances created by drought, fire, invasive species, mining and energy development, and other types of land use. I like to take a pro-active approach to disturbance and support strategic development and restoration. This work is important as degraded deserts create human health risks, increase chance of catastrophic fire, and loss of habitat which affects species of concern and working landscapes. I am the coordinator of the Restoration Assessment and Monitoring Program for the Southwest (RAMPS) where I collaborate with mulitiple stakeholders to develop creative solutions to complex socio-environmental issues.
I currently sit as the USGS federal liaison for the Plant Conservation Alliance.
Education
M.S. Environmental Science and Policy, Northern Arizona Unviersity, Flagstaff, AZ, May 2017
Studies in Western Herbal Medicine Certificate, Charles Kane, Tucson, AZ 2014
Permaculture Design Certificate, Sonoran Permaculture Guilde, Tucson, AZ, April 2013
B.A.S. Southwest Studies, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, May 2003
Relevant Past Positions
Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 2015-2017
Graduate Teaching Assistant for Environmental Programs
Wyss Scholar for the Conservation of the American West
Friends of the Verde River Greenway, Cottonwood, AZ 2015-2017
Restoration Ecologist, Co-manager Verde Native Seed Coop
Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, AZ 2013-2017
Biological Science Technician (Intermittent)
Oak Creek Watershed Council, Sedona, AZ 2016
Urban Restoration Ecologist, Green Infrastructure and Low-Impact Design
Borderlands Restoration, Patagonia, AZ 2013-2015
Restoration Ecologist, Outreach Coordinator, Native Plant Farmer
Grand Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon, AZ 2010-2013
Volunteer Plant Biologist
Grand Canyon Trust, Flagstaff, AZ 2010-2012
Budding Botanist Volunteer
Grand Canyon Hikes and Adventure Vista, Flagstaff, AZ 2003-2006
Grand Canyon Hiking Guide
Wolf Creek Anglers, South Fork, CO 2003
Fly Fishing Guide
Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 2000
Biological Science Technician, Grand Canyon Fisheries