Lara Douglas
About Lara Douglas
Lara Douglas serves as the Science Center Director at the U.S. Geological Survey, where she has directed scientific research on environmental change since 2020. With a background in geosciences and environmental change, she previously held various roles at the Bureau of Land Management and has academic credentials from Cornell University and the University of Arkansas.
Current Role at U.S. Geological Survey
Lara Douglas serves as the Science Center Director at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a position she has held since 2020. In this role, she oversees the Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, which focuses on scientific research and initiatives related to environmental change. Her work is based in the Denver Metropolitan Area, where she leads efforts to address pressing environmental issues through scientific inquiry and collaboration.
Previous Experience at Bureau of Land Management
Before her current position, Lara Douglas held several roles at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). She worked as a Natural Resource Specialist from 2010 to 2012, followed by a position as Legislative Affairs Specialist from 2012 to 2015. In 2015, she served as Deputy Division Chief for Legislative Affairs for a period of 10 months in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. Her experience at BLM provided her with a strong foundation in resource management and legislative processes.
Educational Background
Lara Douglas earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University, where she studied Conservation Biology, Science of Earth Systems, and Economics from 1999 to 2004. She later pursued her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas, completing her studies from 2004 to 2010. This educational background equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of environmental science and policy.
Expertise in Geosciences and Environmental Change
Lara Douglas possesses expertise in geosciences and environmental change, which she applies in her role as Science Center Director. Since 2020, she has been directing scientific research initiatives that address environmental challenges. Her leadership in the Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center emphasizes the importance of scientific research in understanding and mitigating the effects of environmental change.
Teaching and Fellowship Experience
Prior to her roles in government and research, Lara Douglas gained experience in academia. She served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Arkansas from 2007 to 2009 and was a GK-12 Fellow at the same institution from 2009 to 2010. These positions allowed her to engage in educational initiatives and support the development of future scientists.