Biography

 

Megan Popkin

Megan Popkin

  • Scholar
  • United States
  • 2020 PhD Zoology
  • Churchill College

Since completing my B.A. in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, my research and nonprofit work has focused on developing ecosystem-based solutions that address environmental, economic, and sociocultural issues in tandem while promoting the well-being of the environment and Indigenous communities. At Cambridge, I will work with the BEFTA Programme to investigate management strategies that support biodiversity and ecosystem processes in Malaysian oil palm plantations. Working alongside local farmers, we aim to develop oil palm agricultural management systems that are the most effective in buffering pollination services against potential climate fluctuations brought about by climate change. The resulting management solutions will provide the greatest economic and social benefits for these local communities while minimizing environmental costs. I am incredibly grateful and privileged to become part of the Gates Cambridge Network and join a community of inspiring scholars who are dedicated to improving the lives of others. I look forward to collaborating with fellow Gates scholars to develop innovative, cross-disciplinary strategies that address the greatest environmental and social issues facing our world today.

Previous Education

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Evolutionary Biology 2015
Universite de Montpellier II - ISIM Evolutionary Biology 2015
Harvard University