PhD Student
Ben Leitschuh is a PhD student working in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences under the co-advisement of Dr. Carena van Riper and Dr. William Stewart of the Department of Recreation, Sport, and Tourism. His doctoral research focuses on understanding the individual, social, and cultural components that influence the tolerance of wildlife conflict, particularly around protected areas. Ben has over a decade of experience as a professional urban planner and environmental educator. He holds a Master of Urban Planning and Policy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago where his research examined the costs and benefits of living with coyotes in the urban environment. Ben earned his BA from the University of Iowa where he concentrated in environmental studies through the Department of Geography. When not working in the van Riper lab, Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and two children as well as traveling the world to document wildlife with his camera.
