Lillian Elberta Allen

My career has always been motivated by the intersection between human and environmental systems. I’m curious about nature-based solutions rooted in community and conversations. In my past role as a restorationist, I led diverse stakeholders to implement award-winning science-driven restoration work. In my commission role, I pushed to examine the system through an equity lens. My masters work strived to deepen and combine these priorities and develop solutions rooted in ecology, social systems, and equity. Below is an example of my work on a disadvantaged neighborhood in Edinburgh. 



The Granton neighborhood of Edinburgh is marked by disconnection and resource exploitation. Native oyster rewilding is a solution to many problems caused by climate change. My strategy focuses on building connections between restoration and the community, driven by the community. This creative repair and rewilding is rooted in local history and current resident interests. This strategy will improve health and wellbeing for residents, deepen community knowledge, and set the groundwork for building an engaged citizenry while improving the environment.