Chesapeake Conservancy
Kumar Mainali is an accomplished scientist with extensive experience in ecology, biodiversity, and data science. Currently serving as a Visiting Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Maryland and a Senior Data Scientist at Chesapeake Conservancy since August 2019, Kumar has pioneered innovative methods and tools for mapping biodiversity using machine learning and statistical techniques. Previous positions include postdoctoral fellowships at the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center and the University of Maryland, where significant contributions to causal network analysis of the human microbiome were made. Kumar's academic background includes a PhD in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, an MS in Statistics, and an MS in Ecology and Environmental Science from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Toledo. Additionally, Kumar has experience in science communication, having served as an editor and news writer for various scientific publications.
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Chesapeake Conservancy
Chesapeake Conservancy is a nonprofit organization based in Annapolis, Maryland. We are a team of conservation entrepreneurs. We believe that the Chesapeake is a national treasure that should be accessible for everyone and a place where wildlife can thrive. We use technology to enhance the pace and quality of conservation, and we help build parks, trails and public access sites. With global calls to protect 30% of land by 2030 as a climate solution, Chesapeake Conservancy uses artificial intelligence and groundbreaking data to accelerate progress in conserving landscapes vital to the Bay’s health and its cultural heritage while equitably connecting people to the Chesapeake. We are a leading partner in the coalition working to establish a Chesapeake National Recreation Area which would bring National Park Service status to the Chesapeake. We are proud to play a major part in protecting special places around the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including a national marine sanctuary, a national monument, a national trail, a national historical park, and expanding national wildlife refuges, state parks, county parks and city parks. We believe that people need to enjoy the Bay in order to vote for it, volunteer for it, or maybe even commit their career to striving for a healthier Bay. Our mission: To conserve and restore the natural and cultural resources of the Chesapeake Bay watershed for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. We serve as a catalyst for change, advancing strong public and private partnerships, developing and using new technology and empowering environmental stewardship. Our objective is to accelerate progress to conserve 30% of the Chesapeake watershed by 2030 by equitably connecting people to the Chesapeake while conserving and restoring priority lands and waters.