Overview Background and About | Main Leads Background and About Recognizing that science has a leading role to play in solving many of the worlds environmental problems, but that scientists and their knowledge are often absent from the decision table, Dr Brosnan founded SEI to bridge the gap. SEI brings all parties together to reach science-based sustainable solutions. Uniquely the Institute is a “think and do” tank, developing intellectual approaches that it applies on the ground to real world issues. The Institute pioneered the “SEI process”. This is an open and transparent scientific review that aids decision makers reach solutions using the best science available. It provides all parties with access to relevant science and a voice in the debate. The SEI process uses existing results but also commissions new science where it is critical to the decision. SEI has been successfully engaged to resolve a diversity of major issues and controversies, including California Redwoods, Columbia River Channel Deepening, Everglades Restoration, Preble’s jumping mouse, and also for reviews of Marine research and outreach programs, scientific organizations and labs, and the science and management of marine reserves. (Visit the Projects page for more information.) Over 400 nationally recognized scientists are part of SEI’s Conservation Science Network. This group, formally affiliated with SEI, form the backbone of SEI’s activities, With expertise that covers endangered species, marine, forest, wetlands, freshwater ecosystems, hydrology, population biology, genetics, mathematical ecology and modeling, SEI’s CSN can move seamlessly among the most pressing ecological and environmental issues of our day. The Institute has carried out scientific reviews for major agencies and organizations including The Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers. The David and Lucille Packard Foundation. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The French Government, and many others. Special Initiatives and Projects From time to time SEI establishes special projects. These are aimed at bringing science to bear to major issues and in acute arenas For instance SEI helped to support the Tsunami Reef Action Fund, established by Dr Deborah Brosnan, to provided scientific and financial support to communities devastated by the SE Asia tsunami to restore their marine habitats and livelihoods that depended on those ocean systems. SEI facilitates other initiative including Dr Terry Erwin’s support for graduate students in South America. SEI was instrumental in the research and establishment of the St Barths marine reserve and continues its initiative in support the science and management of the reserve as well as reserves and marine resources in the Caribbean. (Visit the Projects Page for more information.) Main Leads—A brief introduction to three of SEI’s main leads Dr Deborah Brosnan. Having established SEI, Dr Brosnan remains deeply engaged as President, advisor, and through creating new initiatives. An exceptional scientist and communicator, she is committed to making science accessible, relevant, and supportive to our world. She is currently devoting time to writing and creating innovative frameworks for meeting this mission. “Scientific literacy is one of the most pressing problems of our day, touching all aspects of our lives. It determines the choices we make for our environment which in turn affect our economic and social levels, the opportunities we can give our children, and even our survival in natural disasters and climate changes. Her goal is to reconnect people with the natural world in which live our lives. Science is the vehicle—the magic carpet.” Read more about Dr Brosnan on this site and read her blog. Dr Steven Courtney. Dr Courtney directs the day to day activities and projects of SEI. An expert in endangered species he skillfully translates between science and policy, helping all sides to understand each other and reach solutions. Dr Courtney is a gifted scientific facilitator and oversees the SEI process. His own research background is in bird and butterfly ecology but he is an expert in the application of science to a diversity of species and ecosystem issues. He has been the lead on several critical efforts including the California Redwoods and the Northern Spotted Owl. Read more about Dr Countney. Lisa Sztukowski. From her background in field biology, Lisa Sztukowski combines the science and organizational skills necessary to integrate science into decisions. Her scientific training is in marine bird biology and survey techniques. Gathering scientific information that is needed for review scientists and coordinating the scientists and process, she skillfully oversees and manages many of the day to day activities of the SEI Process. (Page coming.) For information on other SEI scientists visit personal page and the Conservation Science Network. Visit the projects page.

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© 2007 Sustainable Ecosystems Institute
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