I am an ecologist with nearly 35 years of writing experience publishing on science and natural history topics. My scientific areas of expertise are birds, urban ecology, invasive species, insects (especially dragonflies and damselflies; I am currently Adjunct Curator of Odonata at Michigan State University), plants in human-influenced systems, and environmental sustainability in coffee agrosystems. I was the founder of the Rouge River Bird Observatory at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, which operated for 26 years until my retirement in 2018. I maintain an active interest in ornithology as an Elective Member of the American Ornithological Society.
My editorial experience includes many peer reviews for scientific journals, technical editing for environmental consulting firms, and freelance editorial projects. I am currently on the editorial board of the journal Urban Naturalist, am an Associate Editor for The Great Lakes Entomologist, and serve on the Publications Committee of the Wilson Ornithological Society.
I have written numerous peer-reviewed scientific articles and technical reports, and I frequently distill scientific research into articles or presentations for the public. From 1993-2020, I was a Contributing Editor at BirdWatching Magazine (formerly Birder’s World), and I have published in other magazines including Michigan Natural Resources, Bird Watcher’s Digest, Tropical Fish Hobbyist, The American Orchid Society Bulletin, and even some poetry in Rolling Stone.
More examples of my work can be found on the pages accessed by the menu above.
Contact me at julie DOT craves AT gmail DOT com.