Melissa Flye, Ph.D., Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Advisor: Joseph Zydlewski – Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Start Date: Fall 2020
M.S. 2019, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine
B.S. 2013, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine
melissa.flye@maine.edu, 207.581.2939

Biography:  As a Maine native, I have spent the majority of my life enjoying the rich natural heritage of New England which undoubtedly sparked my interest in the natural world at an early age. As an undergrad, I studied Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology at the University of Maine. After spending a couple of years working on anadromous fisheries research projects for the State of Maine and private consulting firms I returned to the University of Maine and obtained my M.S. in Ecology and Environmental Science.

Current Research:  My research focuses on the social dimensions that shape the management of Atlantic salmon in Maine. By studying the social science and policy interface of Atlantic salmon recovery decision-making, I hope to better understand the barriers to collaboration and the opportunities for institutional transformation. We contend that an evaluation of the interactions among management entities in the face of uncertainty may inform the processes by which recovery policies and actions are made.