Research Coordinator, Midwest Climate Adaptation Science Center

As an entomologist, much of Desi’s research has been devoted to documenting insect biodiversity. She has described dozens of caddisfly species new to Western science and authored several taxonomic revisions and a monograph. Most recently, Desi’s work has focused on pollinator conservation, and the restoration and management of their habitats. She is especially interested in the integration of climate science into insect conservation.

From 2016-2023, Desi led the National Park Service’s Great Lakes Research and Education Center as program manager and research coordinator. Desi acted as a conduit between researchers and NPS staff, working to promote science-based stewardship and facilitate the use of national parks as premier places for scientific inquiry. Desi also endeavored to advance public understanding of science in national parks and foster a new generation of park scientists by directing an internship program. As a member of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative’s Pollinator Task Force, she coordinated research and habitat restoration projects across several park units with partners from multiple agencies, conservation organizations, and universities.

Desi holds a BS in Biology from Northern Arizona University and a PhD from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Desi served two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia, was formerly a faculty member at Frostburg State University, and was a research associate at the Field Museum of Natural History.

Desi resides in Indiana, a few miles from the shoreline of Lake Michigan on 10 acres of glacial moraine with her husband, 2 teenagers, 2 dogs, 2 lizards, and an old goat. 

Email: [email protected]