A farewell to TCD Community from Dr. Bette Loiselle

4 August 2025

Dear TCD Community:

For 14 years, I had the distinct honor and pleasure to serve as Director of Tropical Conservation and Development Program in the Center for Latin American Studies at University of Florida. This position was truly my dream job.  For almost two decades before joining TCD and UF, I knew of the strong international reputation of this interdisciplinary graduate research and training program with its many talented faculty, amazing graduate students and alumni having huge impacts helping communities and advancing conservation across the globe.  I have been so lucky to experience TCD first-hand and connect with generations of TCDers over the years.

At this point in my career, it is time to step back and bring in new leadership. On August 15, Dr. Pilar Useche, a valued member of the TCD community will graciously take on the leadership role as Interim Director.  Pilar is an applied economist with expertise in international development and sustainable agricultural economics.  Pilar has a split appointment between the Center for Latin American Studies and Food and Resource Economics and is a co-PI on TCD’s current Moore Foundation project: “The Power of Connections: Harvesting lessons and strengthening coalitions for Amazonian conservation”.

For the next few years, I will stay in my position as Professor in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. In this role, I will continue to look forward to engaging with the TCD program as it has been a wonderful home, an enriching community, and a force for advancing conservation and human wellbeing through its activities, partnerships, and training the next generation of conservation/sustainable development leaders.

See you at Tropliunch!

Best wishes,

Bette Loiselle                                                               

Director, TCD Program                                                

Professor, Wildlife Ecology and Conservation