Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Amber Wendler is an ecologist and environmental specialist with extensive experience leading research projects and community programs, translating complex science into accessible insights, and engaging with diverse communities and youth. For more than a decade, she has conducted and supported ecological and climate-related work across the United States, the Caribbean, and South America to advance conservation, management, and community-informed solutions. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech in 2025, where she studied the impacts of environmental and climate change on birds. Amber currently works in local government, supporting stormwater management efforts focused on water quality, flood resilience, public education, and environmental compliance. She also serves on the Advisory Council for POWHR (Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights), advancing watershed protection and clean energy efforts in Appalachia, and on the Humble Hikes Committee for The Humble Hustle Company, connecting underserved communities to outdoor recreation and environmental science. She is a storyteller and co-editor of the award-winning book Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature, and is featured in the documentary Big Medicine: York Outdoors, which explores the legacy and future of Black experiences in the outdoors. Amber is committed to expanding access to science and the outdoors, and advancing equity in climate and environmental action.
Conduct water quality monitoring for the Roanoke River and its 13 tributaries, and support floodplain management, including data collection, reporting, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Collaborate with engineers, GIS technicians, and partners. Lead community education and outreach to promote environmental stewardship and increase public understanding of flooding and watershed health.
Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that align with organizational goals and community needs, including initiatives that connect youth to the outdoors, empower young women, promote equitable access to healthy foods, and provide mentoring and professional development in schools. Oversee volunteers, manage budgets, and build strategic partnerships to maximize program impact and sustainability. Engage with community members, support fundraising and grant efforts, and report on program outcomes to drive continuous improvement.
Led volunteer recruitment, training, and role assignments to support an international conference at Duke University, fostering an inclusive environment for attendees. Co-managed logistics to ensure smooth execution of on-site programming.
Managed research projects securing nearly $200K in grant funding, obtained permits, wrote reports and manuscripts, coordinated with government agencies, hired and led field teams, and presented findings to scientific and public audiences. Conducted field research on bird populations across rainforest and dry forest habitats in Puerto Rico and organized and analyzed ecological datasets to better understand the impacts of climate and environmental change on birds.
Developed undergraduate-level curriculum on ecological topics, including bird biology and freshwater ecology, while creating engaging lab activities and course materials. Taught three weekly classes for ~70 students, providing hands-on support, evaluating assignments, and assessing student progress and understanding.
Partnered with educators and environmental stewards to tell the story of York, an enslaved man and vital member of the Corps of Discovery, and to explore the legacy and future of Black people outdoors through a canoeing expedition along the Missouri River. This project culminated in a documentary film (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VS56r5M1zA) and new interpretive materials for National Park Service partner sites.