Introducing Columbia University’s Master of Science in Biodiversity Data Analytics
How do we measure biodiversity? How do we bring nature data into responsible business, investment, and policy decisions?
The new Master of Science in Biodiversity Data Analytics, developed by Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies and the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, answers these questions by harnessing the power of the nature data revolution and AI. The program blends cutting-edge analytics, finance, policy, and decision-making tools to demystify biodiversity and equip professionals with the skills to thrive in a rapidly growing field—while addressing the urgent global challenge of biodiversity loss.
The program’s launch event will feature a panel of distinguished experts in biodiversity conservation, data analytics and AI, business, and finance. Moderated by Dr. Shahid Naeem, a leading ecologist and biodiversity scholar at Columbia University, the discussion will explore the role of biodiversity and nature data in sustainable decision-making, highlight emerging trends in data analytics and the nature job market, and underscore the need for interdisciplinary training to confront the biodiversity crisis. Saving the Earth as a career has never been more timely.
Speakers/Presenters:
Moderator:
Shahid Naeem (E3B), Professor of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Columbia University.
Panel:
Alex Logan (cecil.earth), CEO and Co-Founder of Cecil.
Viorel Popescu, a Lecturer and Director of the M.S. in Biodiversity Data Analytics program at Columbia University School of Professional Studies and the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology (The BEAST Lab).
Jessica Thurston, Vice President of ESG and Sustainability at Paramount Global.
Lily Xu (data science / AI / conservation expert, IEOR), Sun-Wu Assistant Professor, Dept. of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Columbia University.
This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required and is open until Monday, November 3rd, 2025.
For more information, please contact the Biodiversity Data Analytics team, [email protected].
To obtain additional information about program offerings at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, please contact an Admissions Counselor at [email protected].
If you require closed captioning, sign-language interpretation, or any other disability accommodations, please contact Disability Services, [email protected], at least 10 days in advance.
Please visit Columbia University’s Hub for Emergency Preparedness (https://preparedness.columbia.edu/) to stay up to date on the latest campus health and safety policies.
This event is open to individuals irrespective of identity and sex.
