Community engagement is a big part of my research program in Papua New Guinea. At the core of these efforts is the need to provide economic opportunities for landowners to study and conserve the incredible bird species endemic to the island. The long-term goal of engaging these underserved communities is to provide the training needed for local people to lead research and conservation efforts on their birds.

Since 2015 I have engaged numerous communities across Papua New Guinea, training over a dozen landowners in research methods, and I work closely with Papua New Guinean colleagues to conserve culturally important species and endangered ecosystems.