Sarah Vogel, Postdoctoral Research Associate

Faculty Mentor: Joseph Zydlewski – Maine Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Start Date: Fall 2025
Ph.D. 2025, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine
M.S. 2019, Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine
B.A. 2013, Environmental Biology, Tennessee Technological University
B.A. 2013, Wildlife Science, Tennessee Technological University
sarah.vogel@maine.edu, 207.581.2838

Biography: I am a recent PhD graduate in Ecology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Maine, where I specialized in the intersection of science and policy through research on stakeholder decision-making in natural resource management. My Master’s work examined how “best available science” is implemented in hydropower relicensing decisions, while my PhD research analyzed collaborative networks within the USGS Cooperative Research Units Program to understand how partnerships influence conservation outcomes. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher with Melissa, expanding my CRU research while exploring the implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. My work bridges scientific research and policy application, with experience facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops and leading public engagement initiatives.

Area(s) of Expertise: Research & Analysis: Environmental policy analysis, stakeholder decision-making, organizational network analysis, science-policy interface evaluation. Technical Skills: Multi-species field research, statistical analysis (R, Python), GIS and spatial analysis, federal regulatory processes. Communication &Leadership: Multi-stakeholder workshop facilitation, scientific writing and publication, public education program development, cross-sector collaboration. Policy Areas: Hydropower licensing, Marine Mammal Protection Act, federal agency partnerships, natural resource management