Staff Profile

Biography

Brian has a diverse background in conservation, sustainability, scientific research, education and administration. He received a MS and a PhD in behavioral ecology from the University of Maryland, College Park and has worked at the Smithsonian since 2013 as a researcher, educator and program manager with NZCBI, NMNH, Conservation Commons & Earth Optimism and the Office of Undersecretary for Science and Research. Prior to joining SERC, Brian was instrumental in developing the Red Siskin Initiative, an international partnership to protect endangered species and habitats, and was Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Earth Optimism Youth Action and Environmental Leadership Program that mentors high school students from underserved communities to promote environmental literacy, stewardship and justice. He has played an important role in driving sustainability at the Smithsonian including co-author of the Smithsonian Zero Waste guide, member of the One Smithsonian Plastic Reduction Initiative and member of the SERC and SI Sustainability Working Group. At home, Brian and his family are very active with community conservation efforts to promote stewardship and protect and restore biodiversity in the Patuxent and Chesapeake watershed.