I am interested in ways that audience research, design thinking, conservation psychology, and behavior change marketing can help us understand conservation issues and promote conservation action. 

From 2019 to 2022, I completed an M.A. in Conservation Biology through the Project Dragonfly Global Field Program at Miami University of Ohio. I have over 15 years of experience in human-computer interaction, audience evaluation, and design thinking, and began applying this experience to environmental conservation in 2014. I believe in the power of the human story, and use writing and digital storytelling to share conservation success stories to inspire and motivate action.

Recent Research

My research focuses on ways to connect the international conservation community with local people in biodiversity hotspots, particularly Madagascar.  Some of my research includes:

• Conservation content about lemurs on zoo websites
• Impact of world animal day campaigns, such as World Lemur Day, on online engagement
• Differing perceptions of lemur conservation between Malagasy people and the international conservation community
• Using technology to engage people in conservation
• Impact of museum design on science learning 

Field Research

In 2021, I studied in the North Rupununi region of Guyana for a field research course about indigenous knowledge and conservation. We stayed in the Iwokrama Rainforest and in the village of Surama, learning from the local Makushi people about their way of life and how this relates to wildlife conservation. 

In 2019, I participated in a field research course in Baja, Mexico with Project Dragonfly, the Vermillion Sea Institute, and Rancho San Gregorio in the Valle de los Cirios Biological Reserve. We studied field methods while researching desert flora and marine life, and learning about conservation work in the region.

Published Research

Education in Madagascar: A Guide on the State of the Educational System, Needed Reforms and Strategies for Improvement

Venart, L. C., & Reuter, K. E. (2014). Education in Madagascar: A Guide on the State of the Educational System, Needed Reforms and Strategies for Improvement. University of Mauritius Research Journal, 20, 208-247.

We summarize the findings of a systematic literature review to: (1) describe the size and scope of Madagascar's education system at different levels, (2) identify hurdles that students, teachers, and the education system face, (3) provide recommendations for development interventions/foci at different spatial and funding scales, and (4) identify gaps in knowledge. With aid returning due to Madagascar's 2013 presidential election, this paper serves as a guide on the state of the educational system, needed reforms, and successful strategies for improvement. View on ResearchGate.

Announcing the Lemur Conservation Network: Working Together to Save Lemurs from Extinction

Reuter, K., & Venart, L. (2014). Announcing the Lemur Conservation Network. Primate Conservation, 2014(28), 37-39. View on ResearchGate.