In honor of Indigenous People’s Day on October 14, we’d like to highlight the work of Dr. Serra Hoagland, a biological scientist and currently the acting National Program Lead for Tribal Research.
Dr. Hoagland is a member of the Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico. Much of her research has focused on land management practices of Tribal communities and the Forest Service and how these different methods can work together.
Specifically, Dr. Hoagland has studied how forest treatments have impacted the Mexican spotted owl, currently listed as a threatened species.
The Natural Inquirer Reader “Meet Dr. Hoagland” focuses on her research into Mexican spotted owl habitats and mapping techniques that she and her colleagues developed to track habitat conditions over time.
One habitat that Mexican spotted owls prefer is densely wooded areas; however, these forests are susceptible to wildfires. Dr. Hoagland and her colleagues study these habitats and different management techniques to balance the needs of the owl with the need to prevent stand-replacing wildfire.
Learn more about Dr. Hoagland’s work with the Forest Service at Serra J. Hoagland | US Forest Service Research and Development (usda.gov).
Want to Learn More?
Check out these Natural Inquirer Resources!
Meet Dr. Hoagland
In this Reader for students from kindergarten through 2nd grade, meet Dr. Serra Hoagland and learn more about her research on Mexican spotted owl habitat. Available free to order or download, the Reader also contains critical thinking questions, a fun activity, and coloring pages.
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Serra J. Hoagland, Biological Scientist
- Ph.D., (student) Northern Arizona University
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- Biological scientists study many different types of organisms from endangered birds to large predators. We study wildlife populations and their habitat to help conserve them for future generations!
- Ph.D., (student) Northern Arizona University
- USDA Forest Service Scientist
- Biological scientists study many different types of organisms from endangered birds to large predators. We study wildlife populations and their habitat to help conserve them for future generations!
Want to learn more about Mexican spotted owls?
Check out “Owl-ch: How a Changing Climate Might Affect Mexican Spotted Owls” to learn more. This article is part of the Woodsy Owl edition of Natural Inquirer and is written for a middle school audience.
