URBANA, Ill. – Amy Ando, professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE) at University of Illinois, will join the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources (BANR) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine this month. Ando's research covers the creative application of economics to environmental and natural resource challenges such as promoting environmental quality in agricultural systems and improving outcomes from species and habitat conservation.

As part of the 20-person Board, Ando will help oversee research studies on agriculture, forestry, fisheries, wildlife, and the use of land, water, and other natural resources. Such work can address problems that come up when the demand for food and resources impacts the environment. The Board maintains an awareness across these research fields and connects it to the related work in public policy, new research, technology, human resource needs, economic and social trends. 

Ando brings highly relevant experience to the group. Her research has helped environmental policy makers and conservation agents to work more effectively to protect the healthy grasslands, high quality aquatic habitats, and diverse plant species that provide people with valuable services.

“At this moment, much can and should be accomplished in policy and practice related to agriculture and natural resources, and the National Academies can help advance that work with independent studies and discourse facilitation. I am excited to work with other Board members to support those important efforts," Ando says.