My Story
Hello, my name is Grace Schuster, and I am a Post Doctoral Research Associate with the School of Natural Resources. My research focuses on advancing conservation within agricultural landscapes to promote both productivity and long-term resource sustainability. More specifically, I specialize in avian ecology and employ both traditional monitoring methods (i.e., point count surveys) as well as Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) technology to assess populations.
My personal story:
I grew up in Pickrell, Nebraska (a small town of 200), on a row-crop and cattle farm, where my connection to the land sparked an early passion for the natural world. In 2017, I began my undergraduate studies in Fisheries and Wildlife at the University of Nebraska. During that time, I worked at the Wild Bird Habitat Store in Lincoln, where I developed an appreciation for birds and their role as indicators of ecosystem health.
After earning my bachelor's degree, I transitioned directly into graduate research focused on bioenergy crop production and its effects on declining grassland bird species in the Great Plains. This work deepened my commitment to conservation in working landscapes. In August 2025, I completed my Ph.D. in Natural Resource Sciences. Currently, I am also a part time farmer with my father and grandfather. I am committed to protecting our natural resources while honoring my legacy as a fifth-generation farmer in Nebraska. My work bridges the gap between conservation science and agriculture, ensuring both can thrive for generations to come.