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Professor to Present at Environmental History Conference in Canada

photo of Julie Tsatsaros

Julie Tsatsaros

February 12, 2020

Las Vegas, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands University forestry professor Julie Tsatsaros will present at the American Society for Environmental History annual conference in Ottawa, Canada March 24-29.

Tsatsaros is part of an invited international scholar panel titled, “Water Rights: Beyond Ownership and Allotment.”

“This panel expands upon traditional topics such as water rights based solely on ownership and amounts allocated,” Tsatsaros said. “The focus is upon strategies to further protect and improve environmental values connected to water and its management.”

Tsatsaros said the water panel will explore geographically diverse global examples of lessons learned in improving, managing and sharing water resources.

“For instance, my doctoral research focused on integrating physical science and community involvement successfully to improve water quality outcomes in freshwater and marine environments in Australia’s wet tropics region adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef,” Tsatsaros said.

Tsatsaros joined the Highlands University faculty in 2016. In 2013, she earned her Ph.D. in water resources from James Cook University in Queensland, Australia. She also holds a master’s degree in limnology, lake ecology, from Michigan State University.

Some of Tsatsaros’ previous work experience includes being the research initiative leader for the Aquatic Agricultural Systems Program for WorldFish, an international research organization in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She also conducted research with community fisheries in Cambodia partially funded by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, among other international experience.

In New Mexico, Tsatsaros was a senior water resources specialist for Tetra Tech, Inc.  in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the State of New Mexico Environment Department for more than 10 years.

“These practical work experiences and research opportunities gained from working abroad and in New Mexico are useful in the classroom when discussing real-world examples and case studies with students,” Tsatsaros said.

At Highlands, Tsatsaros teaches courses such as Aquatic Ecology, Watershed Management, Inland Aquatic Ecosystems and Environmental Toxicology.

“I want our Highlands students to be excited about natural resources and how their knowledge and experience can help improve watershed conditions in New Mexico and beyond,” Tsatsaros said. “I am committed to outreach including helping communities identify their preferred outcomes for water resources and ways to progress them. I use this knowledge in classroom activities and research opportunities for students.”

Tsatsaros is published in scholarly journals such as “Water,” and “Water, Air and Soil Pollution.” Her research is also published in the book, “Community Based Natural Resources Management Volume 2.”

She is a board member for the Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

The Highlands University Faculty Research Committee awarded Tsatsaros a grant to participate in the American Society for Environmental History conference in Ottawa, Canada.