Welcome to the People and Wildlife Lab (aka, the PAW Lab) at the University of Washington. In the PAW Lab, we research the reciprocal connections between people and wildlife. We take an interdisciplinary approach, using methods from the ecological and social sciences and recognizing the importance of linking theories and concepts that have too long been siloed. Research in the PAW Lab tends to focus on large mammals, and on large carnivores in particular, but our projects range widely. In our work, we emphasize the importance of justice as a crucial missing piece of wildlife research and management and develop new theories, frameworks, and methods to close this gap. All of our research has an applied component, and we work closely with agency partners and the public to ensure that our findings connect to management on the ground.

Learn more about who we are, what we work on, and opportunities to join us!