Hi, I’m Gates!
I’m a PhD Candidate in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. I develop statistical and mathematical models to understand the patterns and mechanisms of biodiversity loss.
I’ve studied an array of systems, from the elusive snow leopard on the highest mountains, to the largest herbivores in the world’s oldest national park, to entire bird communities across North America.
My background
I grew up in Concord, Massachusetts, a setting that launched me into my fascination with the natural world. Surrounded by naturalists, I was reading Thoreau’s work at a young age and was fortunate to be mentored by David Sibley on all things birds.
My focus on birds drew me to the Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University for my undergrad, which helped me grow my love for birds into a deeper, scientific understanding. Though birds brought me to Cornell, I finished with a great enthusiasm for quantitative ecology.
Eager to apply my skillset to help biodiversity and people, I completed my M.Sc. at UMass Amherst. I developed a framework for optimal sampling design for monitoring snow leopard populations in Central Asia, emphasizing the value of local knowledge and integrating statistical and algorithmic methods.
These experiences have shaped my research approach, combining computational methods, quantitative analyses, and local insights to understand and conserve biodiversity.
