Dr. Martha Groom is a bridge builder—between research and practice, between students and professionals, and between conservation challenges and real-world solutions. As an ecologist and educator, she has dedicated her  career to preparing the next generation of conservationists, ensuring they have both the knowledge and the support they need to succeed in the field.

With a background in conservation science and sustainability, Martha has spent years working with students, conservation practitioners, and interdisciplinary teams to tackle pressing environmental issues. She understands that technical expertise is only part of the equation—thriving in conservation also requires resilience, collaboration, and the ability to navigate complex workplace dynamics.

Martha’s role in Conservation Collaborative is a natural extension of her lifelong commitment to mentorship and education. As the leader of the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Washington (DDCSP@UW), she has worked to expand opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds in conservation, helping them navigate both academic and professional spaces. Her leadership in this program has deepened her understanding of what early-career professionals need to not only enter the field but to thrive in it.

She brings deep experience in curriculum development, field training, and workforce preparedness, helping CC identify what new conservation professionals need to feel confident and capable in their careers. By combining rigorous research with a deep sense of care for the people behind the work, she ensures that CC’s efforts lead to real change—not just for organizations, but for the individuals shaping the future of conservation.

Martha has a robust educational background that has significantly shaped her career in ecology and environmental studies. She earned a dual Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Public Policy from Princeton University. She then pursued a Master of Science in Zoology with a focus on Tropical Conservation and Development at the University of Florida. Furthering her specialization, Martha obtained a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Washington.