Welcome to the Amber Roth Lab at the University of Maine!
We study forests, wildlife, human activities, and their interactions.
About Me

As an Associate Professor in Forest Wildlife Management at the University of Maine in Orono, my career focus is on producing conservation solutions through research, education, and management. As a scientist, I explore questions that can be applied to improving management practices, addressing competing demands on resources, and understanding impacts of management on ecological components and processes. When working in applied ecology, it is important to integrate research with outreach efforts to promote change for improved management practices and understanding. Outreach should include both natural resources professionals and the general public as both influence policy and decision-making processes. For example, I work with private landowners and agencies to develop management prescriptions and plans that balance economic viability and productivity with wildlife habitat especially for high conservation priority species. When conducting research, one of my goals is to involve volunteers from the community, K-12 and college students, local government representatives, and natural resources professionals in projects through hands-on experiences. I enjoy leading field trips and programs for a wide variety of local and regional organizations to promote continued education for all ages. In the classroom, I like to bring real world experiences and scenarios into the curriculum so students understand the applications of the presented theories and concepts.
Education
Professional Experience
My professional background includes both academic research and practical experience working for wildlife agencies and educational institutions.
Associate Professor, University of Maine, 2023-present
Assistant Professor, University of Maine, 2015-2023
Research Assistant Professor, Michigan Technological University, 2012-2015
Habitat Management Biologist (Contractor), Wildlife Management Institute, 2008-2015
Graduate Research Assistant, Michigan Technological University, 2006-2012
Golden-winged Warbler Conservation Plan Coordinator, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, summer 2011
Environmental Education Specialist, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, Northland College, WI, 2005-2006
Golden-winged Warbler Survey Coordinator, Golden-winged Warbler Atlas Project, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2000-2006
Natural Resource Research Technician, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Integrated Science Services, 2001-2005
Community Education Program Assistant, Waterloo Middle School, WI, 2001
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1998-2001
Natural Resource Research Scientist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Integrated Science Services, 1996-1997
Dr. Scholl Science Fellow, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL, 1995-1996
Nuisance Wildlife Specialist, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, WI, 1995
Endangered Resources Non-game Biologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 1994-1995
Assistant Professor, University of Maine, 2015-2023
Research Assistant Professor, Michigan Technological University, 2012-2015
Habitat Management Biologist (Contractor), Wildlife Management Institute, 2008-2015
Graduate Research Assistant, Michigan Technological University, 2006-2012
Golden-winged Warbler Conservation Plan Coordinator, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, summer 2011
Environmental Education Specialist, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, Northland College, WI, 2005-2006
Golden-winged Warbler Survey Coordinator, Golden-winged Warbler Atlas Project, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2000-2006
Natural Resource Research Technician, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Integrated Science Services, 2001-2005
Community Education Program Assistant, Waterloo Middle School, WI, 2001
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1998-2001
Natural Resource Research Scientist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Integrated Science Services, 1996-1997
Dr. Scholl Science Fellow, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL, 1995-1996
Nuisance Wildlife Specialist, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, WI, 1995
Endangered Resources Non-game Biologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Endangered Resources, 1994-1995