Melissa Butynski

International Connectivity Project Specialist

Melissa provides support to the international program. She helps manage the Center’s global network, serves as a logistical coordinator and promotes international scientific collaboration.

Prior to joining the Center, Melissa worked as a wildlife biologist researching a wide range of species from warm water minnows and white-tailed ptarmigan to African lions. She has worked extensively with private landowners across the western US, helping to facilitate conversations around conservation and learning about the importance of working lands for the health of communities and wildlife.

While living abroad in Kenya, Melissa’s graduate work focused on landscape genetics where she was able to help collect data on the genetic connectivity of African lion. She is excited to join the Center and continue fostering her passion for connected landscapes, healthy ecosystems and community engagement.

When not in the office Melissa can be found on flowy single-track, talking about her dog or getting skunked by trout on any one of Montana’s wild and scenic rivers.

Education

• MEM in Global Sustainability, Western Colorado University
• B.S. in Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University