Erin Foster Abernethy, PhD

Dr. Erin Foster Abernethy (she/her) works for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the Ecological Service's Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office (OFWO) as the Portland Area Urban Conservation Coordinator. After over a decade in academia (which included researching dam impacts and invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species ), Erin has joined the OFWO to help expand its focus on urban conservation work and partnerships with historically excluded communities. Erin also helps with outreach activities and internship programs. 

Background: Erin is an alumni of the Directorate Fellowship Program (an internship program through the USFWS). Erin holds a Doctorate Degree in Integrative Biology from Oregon State University, a Masters Degree in Ecology from the University of Georgia, and a Bachelors of Science in Biology from Appalachian State University. Prior to joining the OFWO, Erin worked as a post-doctoral scholar for Florida International University.