Hello, I'm
A Human On Earth
a conservation ecologist whose work focuses on wildlife and ecosystem research, exploring the relationships between species, landscapes, and human systems.
Growing up in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, I developed a passion for nature at a young age. I initially pursued landscape engineering to restore degraded landscapes, before shifting toward environmental conservation to focus more directly on ecological protection.
My recent work includes monitoring wildlife using camera trapping, telemetry, and environmental DNA (eDNA). I also contribute to conservation planning and engage at the science–policy interface, supporting the translation of research into practice.
Education
MSc. Environmental Conservation, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. 2024
BE. Horticulture and Landscaping, HCM City University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam. 2018
Awards
Outstanding International Student Award, University of Wisconsin – Madison, USA. 2023
Virginia Schwerin Scholarship for the 2023/2024 academic year, Nelson Institute’s Environmental Conservation MS Program. 2023
Current Affiliation: Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, USA
Member, The Animal Movement Biodiversity Observation Network (Move BON) (2025-present)
Member, International Association for Landscape Ecology— North American Regional Chapter (2026-present)
Member, Ecological Society of America (2026-present)
Member, Society for Conservation Biology (2026-present)
Member, The Wildlife Society (2026-present)
Affiliate, American Society of Landscape Architecture (ASLA) (2023-2025)
Member, ASLA Biodiversity and Climate Action Committee (2023-2024)
Member, U.S. Green Building Council (2023-2024)
Networks
Research Interests
My research focuses on spatial ecology, with an emphasis on animal movement and human–wildlife coexistence. I am also interested in the science–policy interface, particularly in translating ecological research into effective policy frameworks for environmental protection.
Research & Publications
Keywords
Landscape ecology, Landscape connectivity, Nature-based solutions, Climate change mitigation and adaptation, Sustainable development
Human dimension, Land use policy
Peer-reviewed Publications
Nguyen-Nu, S.P.T., Rooney, B., McShea, W.J. (in review). Modern Geospatial Dataset of Historical Vertebrates Distribution and Natural Habitats Reported in the Lewis and Clark Expedition Journals (1803 – 1806).
Rooney, B., Kays, R., Cove, M. V., Jensen, A., Herrera, D. J., Price, C., Nguyen-Nu, P.T., et al. (2026). SNAPSHOT USA 2024: Year 6 of the coordinated national camera trap survey of the United States. Global Ecology and Biogeography. DOI: 10.1111/geb.70229
Nguyen-Nu, P.T., Tran, T. X., Pham, T. H., & Nguyen, K. D. (2023). Livelihoods and human impacts in Tan Thanh mudflat, Tien Giang Province, Vietnam. Research Journal of Biotechnology Vol, 18 (8), 46-53. DOI: 10.25303/1808rjbt046053
Projects & Initiatives
2025-present
The establishment of an Animal Movement Biodiversity Observation Network (Move BON) aims to close the science-policy gap, in transforming raw movement tracks into global conservation policy, by developing an informed community of practice that will facilitate the integration of tracking data into environmental policy at national and global scales.
Turtles Conservation
2025-present
The Smithsonian Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab studies and protects freshwater and terrestrial turtles using tools like environmental DNA (eDNA), GPS telemetry, and long-term monitoring. Its research informs conservation strategies to address habitat loss, road mortality, and illegal trade, supporting evidence-based protection of turtle populations and ecosystems.
2025-2026
"Snapshot USA is a nationwide wildlife monitoring project launched by the Smithsonian Institution and partners at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in 2019. As the only standardized camera trap survey with data from all 50 states, Snapshot USA tracks long-term trends in mammal populations through large-scale collaboration."
2026
"Laudato Si’ Animators are members of the Laudato Si Movement, a global community of prayer and action, who animate their local parishes and communities to engage in ecological spirituality, sustainable lifestyles and advocacy for climate and ecological justice. Animators work to bring Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’ to life and care for our common home."
2023-present
Science communication is one of the missions of my blog, A Human On Earth. Besides sharing stories of my journey and of inspiring people, with my expertise in environmental studies, I strive to share the knowledge I have learned and spread messages about environmental issues to people. “What we do makes a difference, and we have to decide what kind of difference we want to make.” — Jane Goodall. I am looking forward to our discussions and cannot wait for a future where we all thrive together.
Landscape Architecture
2019-2023
[to be updated]
2026-present
[to be updated]
Activities
Contact
I am open to discussing research partnerships, speaking engagements, and ecological studies. I typically respond to all professional inquiries within seven business days.
* Please make sure you type the email address correctly in order to receive responses.
Mon — Fri, 9am — 5pm EST
Research Fieldwork: Seasonal
Outreach: Occasional
Not available on US national holidays
