A Living Lab, Developing Model Strategies for Conservation

Dr. Erin Treanore is the Scientist and Manager of Agroecology at Duke Farms, where she applies systems-level perspectives to ask how conservation can be integrated into sustainable food production. Prior to joining Duke Farms, she was a postdoctoral researcher at Tufts University and the University of Kentucky where her work focused on translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions that support beneficial insects, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience. Erin earned her Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Entomology from Pennsylvania State University and her B.Sc. in Zoology and German, with a specialization in environmental studies, from Michigan State University. 

Mitchell Serota is the Scientist and Manager of Ecology at Duke Farms where he leverages ecological theory, field research, and cutting-edge analyses to support biodiversity conservation. He collaborates with academics, government agencies, foundations, and local communities to design and implement effective, on-the-ground conservation initiatives. His research is highly multidisciplinary, spanning a wide range of taxa and ecosystems, and drawing on diverse fields such as community ecology, landscape ecology, urban ecology, animal movement, population biology, and socio-ecology. Broadly, his research focuses on understanding the impacts of anthropogenic stressors on biodiversity, formulating conservation strategies to improve wildlife restoration, and evaluating outcomes of conservation initiatives. Central to his work is ensuring that conservation outcomes are equitable, and that all stakeholders have access to and say in the decisions that affect their communities.  

Mike Bellaus has been professionally managing flora and fauna for the purpose of ecological restoration for 15 years. After graduating from McDaniel College with a degree in Environmental Policy, he gained practical field knowledge and regional flora identification skills during his work for the New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team and Monmouth County Park System. Since his start at Duke Farms in 2013, his primary responsibilities have included monitoring and improving habitat function across its 2700+ acres through adaptive land management, as well as supporting regional efforts to drive ecological impact through collaborative partnerships. Mike specializes in deer management, overseeing the exemplary Duke Farms Deer Management Program, co-creating or advising over a dozen deer management programs elsewhere in the state, and serving on a municipal Deer Management Advisory Committee in New Jersey for several years. 

Lucas is the Agroecology Operations Manager at Duke Farms where he develops, implements and manages all aspects of a sustainable pasture based farm system.  Focus is on adaptively rotationally grazing cows and goats, creating compost and managing crop fields for soil health and forage production. He works as part of a team to further research initiatives on building soil health, climate resiliency, wildlife habitat and working with nature to support the organizations goals.  

Lucas earned an Agri-Business degree from Delaware Valley College before returning to his family's large dairy farm where he spent 10 years managing cropping and nutrient handling systems. He then administered the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program at Pasa Sustainable Agriculture as well as grant funding projects associated with supporting beginning farmers transitioning to pasture based systems for cattle.

Virginia Osnato is the Ecologist Coordinator at Duke Farms where she monitors wildlife and habitats to evaluate the efficacy of restoration efforts across the Duke Farms’ campus. Her work focuses on utilizing new technology to expand traditional field biology through methods like camera traps and bioacoustics to better assist in issues of landscape connectivity and ecosystem functionality. Prior to coming to Duke Farms, Virginia worked at the Turtle Back Zoo as an environmental educator creating programming that focused on invasive species impact and cultural connections between wildlife and people. Virginia holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science of Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution from Montclair State University.

As the Agroecology Specialist at Duke Farms, Ashley's work focuses on managing the interactions between plants, animals, people, and the environment to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and promote efficient use of resources. She earned her Bachelor of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences with a major in Sustainable Agricultural Systems from Delaware Valley University. She has a strong passion for environmental stewardship and sustainability, as well as connecting people to agriculture and high-quality food products. She is proud to work for a farm operation that prioritizes sustainable livestock management and values collaboration with community members to advance a more resilient, nature-positive future.