Paula Comeau, Ph.D.
Soil and Water Leadership Development Program Coordinator, Leadership and Civic Engagement, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension / School of Natural Resource Sciences
My Bio: I am a conservation professional, educator, and natural resource manager with experience spanning research, higher education, public outreach, and conservation program delivery. My work has focused on prairie restoration, habitat management, conservation communication, and building partnerships that connect science with practical land management. I have worked with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, North Dakota State College of Science, and now NDSU Extension. I enjoy helping translate research into meaningful conservation outcomes for practitioners and the public.
The thing I enjoy most about my job is bringing people together to solve conservation challenges. Whether working with land managers, educators, researchers, or producers, I enjoy finding practical solutions that improve conservation outcomes.
One skill future conservation leaders must master is effective communication. Conservation is ultimately about people, and being able to translate science into practical, meaningful conversations is essential for building trust and lasting partnerships.
One part of my job that people might not expect is how much time is spent listening. Successful conservation depends on understanding people’s goals, challenges, and perspectives before recommending solutions.
When collaborating with people who are unaware of or disengaged from conservation issues, I start with what matters to them. Whether it’s profitability, recreation, family legacy, or community, I connect conservation practices to their priorities and build the conversation from there.
If I could teleport anywhere for an instant adventure, I’d go to the Ice Age. I would love to see the glaciers in all their glory and all the animals that called them home.
The best music concert I attended was Gypsy Foot (a local hippie band)! I don’t think they’re still together, but in my college days we had a blast dancing like fools to their music.
Ask me about conservation program delivery and communicating conservation science. My career has combined research, education, outreach, and natural resource management. This has given me experience translating technical information into practical guidance for a wide range of audiences. I’ve worked in roles ranging from prairie restoration and habitat management to public engagement and conservation education. I love having conversations about how to help conservation programs be more effective and impactful.