Case Summary:

An expert in the field of environmental science, our NIW client’s proposed endeavor was to continue her research on climate change impacts, invasive species, biocontrol, conservation, and ecosystem restoration. She wanted to develop integrated and sustainable techniques for managing invasive species and pests to improve food biosecurity amid climate change. Thus, it was apparent that her research is of great importance because it mitigates the joint threat posed by global climate change and invasive species. This was why one of her four recommenders said:

“The preservation of habitats and the management of invasive species and pests is vital to the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. [The client’s] mathematical models are powerful, precise tools that allow us to improve our conservation efforts, in turn supporting sustainable agricultural practices, such as biological control. As the world increasingly battles with the effects of climate change, the necessity of [the client’s] work becomes even more apparent. [Client’s] high standing in the field of environmental science proves that she possesses a unique capability to address these problems.”

Our team also found out that due to its clear national importance, our client’s research has been supported with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). On the other hand, her research has resulted in 23 peer-reviewed journal articles (5 of them first-authored), one abstract, and one book chapter. These publications have also been cited 241 times, according to Google Scholar, thereby demonstrating that these publications are widely recognized and relied upon in the field of environmental science. This is why another excerpt from a letter of support read:

“The [client’s] projects are inherently important to the United States’ national interests regarding climate change. [Client’s] models provide a tool for U.S. organizations to simulate different scenarios and take informed steps to protect coral reefs, thereby protecting the millions of Americans who depend on those coastal resources. The substantial importance of [client’s] research to the U.S. marks her as deserving of support for the continuation of her work.”

At the same time, she has pursued research directly related to her proposed endeavor of developing integrated and sustainable techniques for managing invasive species and pests to improve food biosecurity amid climate change for the last 10 years. This means that she is both dedicated to her proposed research and is an experienced member of the scientific community in this country.

This allowed us to prove that she was a valued member of the peer community in her area of expertise and that her work is essential to the United States. We are glad to have had the opportunity to represent her, and we wish her the very best in all future endeavors.