Hi! I’m Cortney Dean, conservation biologist, researcher, consultant and science communicator. Which is just another way of saying I’m a gal who is intensely curious, passionate about science, thinks beavers are remarkable and underappreciated critters, and loves to talk about it.

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From digging in to topics like how how beavers impact water and other animals, how to use audio recordings to analyze bird and bat populations, the different ways states restore floodplains and improve flood resilience, to how restoration projects and wildlife intersect with transportation projects… I love to research. In the field or in the library, I’m happiest when I’m finding answers (and more questions).

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Clean water and abundant, healthy habitats are two of my biggest priorities and I’m quite convinced beavers are the answer to both- my professional goals and work are all in support of recruiting more Beaver Believers. But! I also understand the importance of coexistence strategies, policy work, and a great story to make scientific content accessible and engaging for unique audiences.

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​I have a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution and Behavioral Biology from Beloit College ('01) and a Professional Science Masters in Conservation Biology from University of Wisconsin-Stout ('25).​