Faculty Spotlight: Christie Bahlai

Q & A with Christie Bahlai, �Ը�� University Department of Biological Sciences Associate Professor, Ph.D.
Environmental Science and Design Research Institute Co-Director

•&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��; What sparked your interest in biological sciences?
I’ve always been fascinated by the little connections in nature, the way one tiny change can ripple out and affect an entire system. But what really pulled me in was realizing that biology isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about uncovering patterns and solving puzzles. Once I figured out that I could use tools like coding and data to understand those patterns, especially in ecological systems, I was hooked. It felt like I’d found this beautiful intersection of curiosity, math, and the messy, wonderful world of living things.

•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; What sparked your interest in sustainability in both your professional and/or personal life? Professionally, working in ecology makes it impossible not to think about sustainability. I spend a lot of time looking at long-term data, and you start to see these subtle but steady shifts—species disappearing, growing seasons changing, things just... not quite behaving the way they used to. That kind of evidence makes it clear that our actions matter, and we need to be thoughtful stewards of our ecosystems. On a personal level, I’ve always had a bit of a crunchy streak—composting, gardening, thrifting. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being mindful and doing what we can, where we are, with what we have.

•&�Բ��;&�Բ��;&�Բ��; What is your favorite part of your position? I love to figure out new things. Data science is like solving a puzzle, and the puzzle is often bringing together pieces from a lot of different places to try and understand overall patterns.

•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; What are your favorite accomplishments or projects you have worked on (or upcoming projects you’re looking forward to)?
I’m really proud to say that I am now the maintainer of a really important long term experiment- I was handed down a project that started in 1989 (when I was a kid!), examining ladybugs in agricultural fields in Michigan. Ladybugs are really important for farmers in the Midwest because they control pests and really reduce the need for insecticides dramatically. We’re still monitoring these insects at a big research station every week during the growing season today. Having over 35 years of data lets us figure out how climate and landscape changes affect the insects that help us run sustainable farm systems.

•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; How does sustainability manifest itself in what you do at �Ը�� University?
My research has a sustainability focus, but it’s so exciting to be able to support other researchers with their work as well! I’ve gotten to help materials scientists, designers, educators and of course other ecologists find the resources they need to move their work forward towards sustainability goals.

•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; What do you want the people of �Ը�� to know about you and your position or as Environmental Science and Design Research Institute Co-Director or associate professor in Biological Sciences (or any other roles you have)?
I’d love for folks at �Ը�� to know that I wear a few hats, but they all come back to one big goal: helping people understand the natural world and how we fit into it. As an associate professor in Biological Sciences, I teach and mentor students—some of the most curious, creative people I’ve ever met! I love helping them ask big questions about ecology, sustainability, and data, and then giving them the tools to find answers. As Co-Director of ESDRI, I get to collaborate with brilliant folks from all across campus—artists, engineers, planners, scientists—and together we think about how to build a more sustainable and just future. It's one of my favorite parts of the job, because sustainability has to be a team effort, and �Ը�� is full of amazing teammates. At the end of the day, I want people to know that I'm always happy to chat, brainstorm, collaborate, or just nerd out about bugs and data. My door (real or virtual!) is open.

•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; What sustainability initiatives is Environmental Science and Design Research Institute and/or the Department of Biological Sciences and/or your research lab working on?
ESDRI has a few new programs that we’ve launched this year to help support the �Ը�� research Community. We have a new visiting scholar program, which enables community members from outside �Ը�� University to partner with members of our faculty on research projects, we’ve got a new mini grant program for graduate students to develop projects at the intersection of environmental science and design, and we’ve launched our Sustainability Forum which is an evening event, with distinguished speakers, talking about the people behind sustainability careers in our community. Check out our website for more info on any of our programs!

•&�Բ��;&�Բ��; Where is one of your favorite spots to visit on campus? And what makes it your favorite?
One of my absolute favorite spots on campus is the gorgeous gardens behind the library. It’s such a peaceful little oasis tucked just out of the main hustle. What makes it really special to me is how it blends beauty, biodiversity, and a sense of care. You can tell it’s a place that’s been nurtured thoughtfully, and that kind of intentional green space matters so much.

Thank you Christie!

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