Meet The Staff

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Flaherty is a wildlife ecologist. Her research focuses on wildlife associations with habitat and specifically, responses to habitat change. She and her students partner with state and federal agencies as well as non-governmental organizations to apply their research to address management and conservation challenges.

 Dr. Flaherty is equally passionate about undergraduate teaching and mentoring. She is involved in efforts to develop innovative pedagogy and provides transformative and impactful experiences for students through her involvement with Squirrel-Net, teaching a week of a summer field practicum course, leading study abroad trips, and mentoring students engaged in undergraduate research.

In addition to serving as a co-director for NRES, she serves as the Associate Department Head for Academic Programs in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Carson Reeling, PhD is an environmental economist. He joined the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue in 2018 after three years at Western Michigan University’s Department of Economics and Institute for the Environment and Sustainability. His research focuses on estimating the benefits from wildlife-based recreation in Indiana (including hunting and wildlife watching) as well as policy design for managing pollution from agriculture. Prior to joining NRES, Dr. Reeling served as the Graduate Chair in Agricultural Economics for three years. He holds a PhD in Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics from Michigan State, an MS from Purdue’s Department of Agricultural Economics, and a BA in Economics and Spanish from the University of San Diego. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, kayaking, and cooking.

Dr. Shee brings an impressive academic background, having earned her B.S. in Animal Science from Ohio State University, and both her M.S. in Animal Science and Ph.D. in Entomology from Purdue University. Before joining NRES, she gained valuable experience in agricultural regulation at the Office of Indiana State Chemist and taught courses on human-environmental relations at the John Martinson Honors College at Purdue University.

Dr. Shee specializes in insect ecology and plant-insect interactions. Her research interests lie at the fascinating intersection of science and cultural representations of the environment. She is deeply passionate about conservation and is dedicated to exploring ways in which individuals and communities can address our current environmental challenges.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, watching wildlife in her backyard (bugs included), and caring for her small zoo.

Mandy has been advising at Purdue University for over nine years. Prior to joining the NRES staff in 2022, Mandy advised in Purdue’s Exploratory Studies program and Daniels School of Business (formerly Krannert School of Management). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Valparaiso University, and she earned her Master’s in Public Affairs from Indiana University South Bend. A native of Indiana, Mandy enjoys traveling, reading, ballroom dancing, and playing board games. She looks forward to helping students who are passionate about making the Earth a better place!

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mandy Chalk Marquardt

Cora Chavez, Administrative Assistant at NRES & OAP, brings valuable expertise in Business Administration to the team. Her primary goal is to contribute to the success of students through her dedication and support. With a passion for helping others, Cora is excited to make a positive impact and assist in any way possible. 

In addition to her professional pursuits, Cora enjoys pursuing her hobbies during her free time. She cherishes moments spent with her family, appreciating the bonds they share. Exploring nature through trail walks is another activity that brings her joy and rejuvenation.