EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Wendy Dorman, a two-time Eastern Michigan University alum, has been named one of 57 recipients of the prestigious NASA Future Investigators in Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) grant. This $150,000 award will support her innovative research to develop detailed maps of grassland habitats across the Midwest and beyond aimed at conserving imperiled bird species.

“A publicly available grassland land cover dataset doesn’t exist at the scale researchers and decision-makers need to develop species-level management strategies,” said Dorman. “Understanding the gap between what birds need and what currently exists could be a game-changer for grassland bird conservation. As a recipient of the NASA FINESST grant, I have access to invaluable resources to help guide conservation efforts to support grassland bird populations.”

Now a doctoral student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Dorman is leveraging satellite data and remote sensing technology to address critical knowledge gaps in grassland bird conservation. Her research focuses on identifying fragmented grassland habitats that are often too small or transient to appear on current maps. By overlaying habitat data with bird presence and abundance information, her work will inform targeted strategies to protect these birds and their ecosystems.

Dorman’s research reflects her passion for biodiversity and commitment to addressing the challenges of grassland birds. These birds remain resilient despite habitat loss. Her project aims to develop a scalable modeling framework for grassland conservation across the U.S.

She credits EMU for shaping her career. “The education and mentorship I received at EMU taught me to think critically and tackle challenges innovatively,” Dorman said. “As a first-generation college student, experiences like studying abroad in the Galapagos and working with mentors like Gary Hannan and Renee Lajiness-O’Neill showed me I could be an ecologist and set me on my path.”

Dorman later returned to EMU to earn a master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), combining her passion for ecology with advanced mapping technology. “Gaining expertise in GIS provided me with an in-demand skill set that opened incredible doors,” said Dorman. “I began as a GIS Analyst, transitioned to remote sensing at MAXAR in Ypsilanti, and eventually worked with biodiversity data at the Map of Life project at Yale University. Now as a doctoral student, I’m deeply grateful for my experiences at EMU. These opportunities have enabled me to tackle conservation challenges holistically and through interdisciplinary approaches.”

Dorman’s project aligns with NASA’s commitment to advancing Earth science research and fostering the next generation of STEM leaders. Her innovative use of satellite and airborne data promises to provide the most comprehensive view of grasslands to date, creating new opportunities for collaboration with land managers and conservationists.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral, and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences, and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.