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UCD PhD researcher Kilian Murphy (School of Biology and Environmental Science) used the Earth Institute Small Responsive Fund for a visit to North America in summer 2023 with the aim of networking, collaborating, and learning from new academic connections in top-ranking universities and institutions across western North America. The trip provided Kilian with numerous opportunities to deliver lectures, collaborate with renowned scholars, gain hands-on experience in wildlife management agencies, and expand his academic network. Kilian said, "The support from the University College Dublin Earth Institute played a vital role in making this trip possible and maximizing its value."

Kilian is a member of the UCD Laboratory of Wildlife Ecology and Behaviour led by Simone Cuiti.  The laboratory team track, monitor, and observe wildlife to learn more about its ecology and behaviour, and improve its management and conservation within human-dominated landscapes. They work towards a better coexistence between wildlife and humans. They have expertise in animal ecology, movement ecology, behavioural ecology, field research, VHF and GPS radiotracking, and statistical analysis.

Kilian's PhD research focuses on providing data-driven solutions to large herbivore management conflicts, using data, simulations, and tech to disentangle the cause of long-term management conflicts and provide evidence-based management options for stakeholders and policymakers. Kilian is currently working in the SMARTDEER project, and he will be using statistical models to monitor and study Deer population density and distribution in Ireland to provide data-driven management strategies to combat management conflicts.

During my visit, I had the privilege of giving over 10 lectures at esteemed universities and institutions, including the University of Guelph, University of Edmonton, Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, University of British Columbia, University of Idaho, University of Montana, and Montana Fish, Game and Parks, among others.

These lectures provided a platform to share my research and insights, exchange knowledge, and foster academic collaborations. One of the highlights of the trip was the opportunity to collaborate with world-renowned scholars such as John Fryxell, Mark Boyce, Courtney Conway, Justin Gude, Doug Smith, and Mark Hebblewhite. Together, we worked on a manuscript aimed at developing an international and repeatable framework for generating data used in wildlife conservation and management in a sustainable and efficient manner. This collaboration not only enhanced my skills as a scientist but also provided invaluable training and mentorship from senior academics.

The trip also allowed me to travel to remote parts of western North America and work closely with institutions such as Montana Fish, and the Wildlife and Parks. This firsthand experience provided insights into how these agencies operate, their funding mechanisms, and best practices in wildlife management. I gained practical knowledge and identified transferable strategies that could be applied to wildlife management efforts in Ireland. Learning from the senior staff of these top wildlife management agencies was a unique opportunity to enhance my understanding of practical implementation in an Irish context.

As part of the larger 8-week trip to Canada, I had the opportunity to present to 10 university lab groups, further expanding my academic network. Throughout my presentations, the support from the University College Dublin Earth Institute was acknowledged, highlighting their instrumental role in enabling this trip and facilitating valuable academic connections.

The visit to North America for networking, collaboration, and learning proved to be a transformative experience. Through delivering lectures at prestigious universities, collaborating with renowned scholars, gaining practical insights from wildlife management agencies, and expanding my academic network, the trip significantly enhanced my professional growth and research potential.

I am immensely grateful to the University College Dublin Earth Institute for their support, which played a vital role in making this trip possible. The value of this journey lies not only in the acquired knowledge and collaborations but also in the long-term impact it will have on wildlife conservation efforts and academic endeavours in Ireland.

Kilian Murphy