College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

Major Advisors:

Emily Pomeranz and Angela Burrow

Background:

Ben Eiler is originally from Portage, MI and received his B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University. As an undergraduate, he conducted research under the mentorship of Drs. Emily Pomeranz (FW), Garth Sabo (IAH), and Rob Roznowski (Theater) on the impacts of integrating theater and conservation as a part of the Corey Marsh Ecological Research Center (CMERC) summer research experience. Additionally, in the summer of 2025, Ben co-produced a climate change focused short play festival as a part of Climate Change Theater Action, a global eco-theater movement, at CMERC and MSU’s Beal Garden. He also conducted camera trapping research on elk, white-tailed deer, and coyote with Drs. Steven Gray and Brett DeGregorio.

Ben is now pursuing his M.S. degree in Fisheries and Wildlife where he is co-advised by Drs. Emily Pomeranz and Angela Burrow. Working alongside watershed-focused non-profits in the Detroit Metropolitan area, his research will develop pathways for cross-organizational partnerships and lay the foundation for new informal community education projects on water issues in the Detroit area.