Dr. Keith Bosak: Where Indigenous Conservation and Student Learning Come Together
Dr. Keith Bosak’s research and teaching in the IDS program at UM show how faculty scholarship transforms student learning. He has taken students to India to explore Indigenous conservation, published with a graduate student on Patagonia National Park, and co-edited a book on tourism and development in southern Patagonia. He also leads international seminars that connect UM students with conservation professionals from 17 countries, creating rare opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration.
These projects not only highlight Bosak’s significant scholarly contributions but also demonstrate how faculty research directly impacts students, often influencing their career paths. While U.S. funding shifts have paused several projects, Bosak is building new collaborations with organizations like UNESCO and UNDP. His ongoing focus on Indigenous communities, sustainability, and livelihoods continues to raise the IDS program’s profile while preparing students to address global development challenges.