Alyson East
I’m a quantitative ecologist working at the intersection of landscape ecology, biodiversity science, and remote sensing. My research asks how ecological systems respond to disturbance and environmental change across spatial and temporal scales. I bring together LiDAR data, species traits, and ecological theory to study ecosystem structure and resilience.
Currently, I’m a PhD candidate at the University of Maine, where I investigate forest size-abundance scaling, disturbance legacies, and trait diversity using LiDAR, remote sensing, and NEON data. I’ve also worked with the U.S. Forest Service, Oak Ridge National Lab, and NASA GEDI collaborators to apply ecological data science to conservation, forest planning, and monitoring.
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Select Positions listed Below,
Download my full Current CV here
1
Education
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PhD in Quantitative Ecology — University of Maine (2023–Present)
Advisor: Dr. Sydne Record -
MS in Biological Sciences — Montana State University (2020–2022)
Thesis on GEDI remote sensing in the Amazon -
BS in Ecology and Environmental Science — University of Maine (2016–2019)
2
Selected Publications
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East et al. (2025). Optimizing image capture for trait recognition in biodiversity specimens. arXiv.
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Carroll & East et al. (2025). Early-career publishing and reviewing. ESA Bulletin.
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East et al. (2024). GEDI data validation in the Amazon. Remote Sensing.
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Hansen & East et al. (2021). Monitoring ecosystem integrity in the post-2020 biodiversity framework. Conservation Letters.
3
Select Research Appointments
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PhD Researcher — University of Maine
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ORISE Fellow — Oak Ridge National Lab / USFS Southern Research Station (2023–2024)
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Research Assistant & Lab Manager — Montana State University (2020–2022)
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Spatial Analyst — Montana State University (2019–2020)
4
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TA: Landscape Ecology, Rocky Mountain Vegetation, Biological Diversity of Life
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Guest Lecturer: LiDAR Remote Sensing
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SEEDS Mentor, Ecological Society of America (2022–2024)
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Professional Leadership
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Chair, ESA Early Career Ecologists Section (2024–2025)
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Council Representative, ESA (2023–2025)
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Symposium Organizer, IALE-North America (2024)
