Julia Nelson
MS Student
New Mexico State University
Bio:
Julia Nelson is in her final semester (Spring 2026) at New Mexico State University’s Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology Department. Her research is focused on community-based collaborative forest restoration. Specifically, Julia is looking at how wood banks benefit communities and the landscapes. (Wood banks are mutual aid initiatives that distribute firewood to energy insecure homes, typically wood is sourced from hazardous fuels reduction efforts).
Prior to pursuing a graduate degree, Julia received a B.S in Biology at UNC Charlotte. Her previous work experiences includes working as a seasonal field technician and project leader for various fish, wildlife, and habitat projects with the Forest Service, different State agencies, and NGOs within Washington, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and California. Through these experiences, she gained an interest in the social science aspects to conservation and restoration decisions, which ultimately led to her current position.
Following Julia’s graduate studies, she hopes to work for a land management agency or conservation NGO with a position focused on community-based conservation/land management.
