About the Massachusetts Unit

The Massachusetts Unit is led by Dr. Stephen DeStefano (Unit Leader-Wildlife), who oversees Unit operations. Dr. Paul Sievert is the Assistant Unit Leader (Wildlife), and June (Jil) Prosciak provides administrative support for Unit activities.

Massachusetts Unit scientists hold research faculty rank at the University of Massachusetts, teach graduate level courses, and oversee the Unit's research projects. Research projects typically support graduate students and post-docs and address a variety of topics, many focused on the needs and interests of our Cooperators. Our Unit has developed a special concentration on issues related to urban and suburban fish, wildlife, and habitats. We also conduct research on a range of fish and wildlife populations, from rare and endangered to overabundant species. Forest wildlife, amphibians and reptiles, seabirds, and human-wildlife interactions round out much of the remainder of our current research program. Research funds for the Massachusetts Unit come mainly from MDFW, MDMF, USFWS, Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation, and several NGOs, with additional support for students from campus programs such as DEC and OEB.