About me
Dr. Caleb Hickman holds a Ph.D. in Zoology with an emphasis in ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has worked at various universities, the Long Term Ecological Research network, and the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, gaining extensive experience with species across North American ecosystems.
Currently, Dr. Hickman serves as the Supervisory Biologist for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), one of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes. Leading a small team, he is dedicated to studying and conserving a wide range of game and non-game fish and wildlife species, particularly those that are endangered or culturally significant. His approach integrates science-based management with a socio-ecological perspective, emphasizing the preservation of traditional knowledge for future generations. His work spans both basic and applied research, from long-term climate change adaptation planning to identifying habitats for species like the hellbender salamander.
Dr. Hickman believes tribes have a unique opportunity to lead species conservation efforts by leveraging their sovereign rights to manage natural resources under independent governance structures. He envisions that tribes act as advisors to larger governments on how to preserve natural resources. His dedication to blending traditional knowledge with modern data science techniques underscores his commitment to innovative and culturally informed conservation strategies.
