Mark Buckner, PhD

About Me

I am a computational ecologist and biodiversity researcher focused on applying advanced analytical methods (AI/ML) to support evidence-based decision-making. I am interested in developing open-source tools for conservation prioritization, management, and biodiversity monitoring across diverse taxa. In 2024, I received my PhD from Cornell University in the Department of Entomology, where I built predictive distribution models for native bee species across North America to translate sparse species occurrence records into actionable conservation data products.

Born and raised in Colorado's Front Range and educated at the University of Montana, I still question how I ended up out east for my PhD. I enjoy spending time in nature. When not modeling and mapping species distributions, I can often be found hiking, fly fishing, or "porcupining."

Education

PhD | Cornell University

Insect Ecology, Applied Ecology, Quantitative Ecology, Applied Statistics
Dissertation: “Cartograph-Bee: Mapping Data-Limited Native Bee Diversity and Distributions to Inform Conservation Action”

BS | University of Montana

Ecology and Organismal Biology