Dr. Kristin Drexler
Full-Time Professor, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Education
- Ph.D. in Educational Administration
- New Mexico State University
- M.A. in Latin American Studies
- Ohio University
- B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication
- New Mexico State University
Research Interests
Socio-ecological Systems, Agroforestry, Human Geography, Environmental Science, and Sustainable Development
PhD research: Sustainable Agroecology and Educational Leadership; Belizean Forest Farming Communities; Socio-Ecological Systems; Vulnerability and Resilience to Ecological Change; Community Capitals
PhD research: Sustainable Agroecology and Educational Leadership; Belizean Forest Farming Communities; Socio-Ecological Systems; Vulnerability and Resilience to Ecological Change; Community Capitals
Positions Held
2005 - Present
Full Basket Belize (formerly International Friends of Belize)
Vice President-Executive Committee-Board of Directors
2021 - 2022
Gila Film School
Co-Instructor and Conservation Director
2022 - 2022
American Public University
Co-Investigator for Research
2018 - 2018
Universidad de LaSalle (Colombia)
Instructor
2012 - 2014
New Mexico State University
Coordinator, Faculty-Led International Programs
2006 - 2012
New Mexico State University
Founder/Director, Belize Field School
2003 - 2009
Zia Engineering
Environmental Scientist
2002 - 2003
Continental Divide Trail Alliance
Field Manager
1992 - 2001
National Park Service
Park Ranger
1997 - 1999
U.S. Peace Corps
Peace Corps Volunteer
Intellectual Contributions
The Past as Prologue: How Historic Relations with the Federal Government Encouraged Foundations of Resilience and Autonomy for the Metlakatla Indian Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Casey Skvorc,Michelle A Watts,Kristin A Drexler
February 17, 2025
Journal of Indigenous Research
Spiraling up Agency and Resilience among Indigenous Communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Michelle A Watts,Kristin A Drexler,
January (1st Quarter/Winter) 6, 2025
Latin American Perspectives
Cultural Eutrophication Impacts to New River in Northern Belize: A Community Capitals Assessment
Kristin A Drexler,Ed Boles
July (3rd Quarter/Summer) 25, 2024
Advances in Environmental and Engineering Research
An Interdisciplinary Capitals Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts to Indigenous Communities of the Americas
Michelle A Watts,Kristin A Drexler,Casey Skvorc
April (2nd Quarter/Spring) 2023
SECOLAS Conference Proceedings
Climate-Smart Adaptations and Government Extension Partnerships for Sustainable Farming in Maya Milpa Communities of Southern Belize
Kristin A Drexler
March 10, 2021
Sustainability (Journal). Special Edition: "Risk-Informed Sustainable Development in the Rural Tropics".
A Planetary Perspective of Earth Systems Sustainability: Reframing Climate Change Implications from Agricultural Adaptations in Maya Milpa Farming Communities in Belize
Kristin A Drexler
January (1st Quarter/Winter) 2021
Space Education & Strategic Applications (APUS Journal)
Socio-Ecological System Impacts of Anthropogenic Pollution on the New River, Belize
Kristin A ,
October (4th Quarter/Autumn) 2020
Global Security and Intelligence Studies (APUS Journal)
Government Extension, Agroecology, and Sustainable Food Systems In Belize Milpa Communities: A Socio-Ecological Systems Approach
Kristin A Drexler
March 16, 2020
Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems and Community Development
Extension Leadership and Sustainable Agriculture in Belize Forest Farming Communities: A Socio-Ecological Systems Approach
Kristin A Drexler
July (3rd Quarter/Summer) 9, 2019
ProQuest
Internal Contracts, Fellowships, Grants and Sponsored Research
By participating in S.P.E.E.C.H. presentations and surveys conducted by protected areas managers, “buffer zone” communities can better realize increased socioeconomic benefits from living adjacent to protected areas.
2014 - 2014
Funded - Completed
External Contracts, Fellowships, Grants and Sponsored Research
Socio-Ecological System Impacts of Anthropogenic Pollution to New River Communities (Belize)
American Public University
2019 - 2019
Funded - Completed
Presentations
The COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts and Indigenous Agency: A Community Capitals Comparative Case Study of Indigenous Communities in North and Central America
Reacción y resistencia: Imaginar futuros posibles en las Américas
June 12, 2024
Climate Adaptations to Traditional Milpa Farming Practices in Mayan Communities of Southern Belize: A Socio-ecological Systems Approach
Environmental Anthropology and Socio-ecological Systems - Pending
October 28, 2023
Get Up Stand Up
Get up Stand Up
October 17, 2023
Climate Adaptations to Traditional Milpa Farming Practices in Mayan Communities of Southern Belize: A Community Capitals Approach - Accepted
3rd Global Congress on Climate Change
September 2023
Research Report for Faculty Research Grants (COVID impacts to Indigenous Communities)
Research Grant Symposium
May 2023
An Interdisciplinary Assessment of Covid-19 Pandemic Impacts to Indigenous communities of the Americas
Research Grant Symposium
May 11, 2023
An Interdisciplinary Capitals Assessment of COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts to Indigenous Communities of the Americas
SECOLAS
March 24, 2023
A Socio-Ecological Systems Approach to Climate Adaptations to Traditional Milpa Farming Practices in Mayan Communities of Southern Belize
Nineteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability - Accepted
February 1, 2023
Climate-Smart Adaptations to Traditional Milpa Farming Practices in Mayan Communities of Southern Belize
International Conference on Earth Science, Climate Change and Environment - Accepted
January 2023
Engaging Diverse STEM Students through SACNAS and the National Diversity in STEM Chapter
The Engage Summit - Accepted
November 2022
The Future of Earth and Planetary Science in Higher Education: A Community Conversation
Space Education and Strategic Applications (SESA) Conference - Accepted
September 2022
A Case Study Comparison of Pandemic Impacts on Indigenous Groups in the Americas
Metlakatla Indian Community (Alaska)
July 14, 2022
A Case Study Comparison of Pandemic Impacts on Indigenous Groups in the Americas
Taos Pueblo Tribal Council
February 2022
A Case Study Comparison of Pandemic Impacts on Indigenous Groups in the Americas
Zuni Pueblo Tribal Council
February 2022
wSTEM Space Panel Discussion
wSTEM Space Panel Discussion
January 20, 2022
Dr. Kristin Drexler "Impacts of Anthropogenic Pollution on the New River, Belize"
Research for the Public Good (APUS)
October 29, 2021
Space Exploration and Earth Systems
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
October 20, 2021
Campus Leadership Panel Discussion
APUS Campus Leadership Institute
October 14, 2021
Earth to SESA: Connecting Earth Sciences to Space Studies in Higher Education
Space Education & Strategic Applications (SESA) 2021 Conference
September 24, 2021
Science Fair and wSTEM Judges
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
May 18, 2021
Extension Leadership, Agroecology, and Sustainable Food Systems in Maya Milpa Farming Communities of Belize: A Socio-Ecological Systems Approach
37th Annual AIAEE Conference
April 2021
One-Year Anniversary of Science Talks and Conclusion
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
April 29, 2021
Marine Resources Conservation
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
April 6, 2021
Agriculture and Sustainable Production
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
March 23, 2021
Sustainable Development Goals
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
March 2, 2021
Soil Health and "Kiss the Ground" Film Screening
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
February 23, 2021
COVID Vaccines and How they work
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
February 9, 2021
Climate Change
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
February 2, 2021
National Elections, COVID, and Conservation
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
January 26, 2021
Leadership in wSTEM and AWIS
APUS Campus Leadership Institute
November 2020
Environmental and Wildlife Conservation (and Elections)
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
November 3, 2020
Climate Change and Hydrology
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
October 13, 2020
Natural Cycles and Marine Protected Areas
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
October 6, 2020
Geography and Geology of National Parks
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
September 2020
National Parks
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
September 8, 2020
Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems: A Socio-Ecological Systems Approach
The 6th International EcoSummit Congress - EcoSummit 2020 – Building a sustainable and desirable future: Adapting to a changing land and sea-scape
June 21, 2020
Backyard Biodiversity Projects
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
June 11, 2020
Wildlife Conservation
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
June 4, 2020
Habitat Mapping with GIS
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
May 28, 2020
Plants: Chemistry and Ecology
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
May 21, 2020
Marine Biology and Ecology
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
May 14, 2020
Wildlife Biology
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
May 7, 2020
Yochi: Film for Wildlife Conservation
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
April 30, 2020
Earth Day
Science Talks with Dr. Drexler and Friends
April 22, 2020
Perceived Causes and Impacts from Anthropogenic Pollution to New River Communities in Northern Belize
ResearchFest/Research Showcase
April 9, 2020
Socio-Ecological System Impacts of Anthropogenic Pollution on the New River, Belize
Belize National Research Conference
March 2020
Authentic Engagement
Tips for Teaching Online
March 19, 2020
The Co-Curricular Benefits of Faculty Field Research Involving APUS Students
2019 Teaching Excellence Summit
October 15, 2019
A socio-ecological system impacts from anthropogenic pollution on the New River, Belize
Workshop for Socio-ecological systems research on New River, Belize project
July 21, 2019
Sustainable AgroEcology in Belize Milpa Communities: A Socio-ecological Systems Approach
MesoAmerican Society for Biological Conservation
April 9, 2019
Introduction to Sustainable Development
Int'l Summer Academy
July 16, 2018
Using "Yochi" (a short film) for social impact for anti-poaching and anti wildlife trade
DC Environmental Film Festival, Panel Discussion
March 18, 2018
Experiential Learning Through International Education Serving Hispanic Students
12th International Conference
March 31, 2017
Ecological Change and Community Aptitude for Resilience in Belize
Cultivating Academic Engagement, Persistence, and Success
February 23, 2017
Examining Socioeconomic Impacts on Buffer Communities Using a Multidisciplinary Assessment Tool Called “S.P.E.E.C.H.” To Help Communities and Protected Areas Management
MesoAmerican Society for Biology and Conservation
March 26, 2014
Perceptions of Climate Change in Belize Communities: Examining Economic, Environmental and Cultural Impacts
MesoAmerican Society for Biology and Conservation
March 25, 2011
Media Contributions
Presenting COVID-19 Research at the 2025 SECOLAS Conference
APU Edge
May 23, 2025
Social Media - Blog
Women's History Month: Julya Kenna (Edge)
March 28, 2025
Social Media - Blog
Continuing our Celebration of Women's History Month: A Spotlight on Faculty Co-Advisor Suzanne Agan
March 11, 2025
Social Media - Blog
Women’s History Month: Inspirational Teacher Suzanne Agan
APU Edge
March 11, 2025
Social Media - Blog
Celebrating Women's History Month: A Spotlight on Graduate Student Christy BoneFont (Edge)
March 1, 2025
Social Media - Blog
Women’s History Month: Spotlighting a Space Studies Student
APU Edge
March 1, 2025
Social Media - Blog
Our Pandemic Study Continues in Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico
APU Edge
January 15, 2025
Social Media - Blog
Pandemic Study Continues in Acoma Pueblo, New Mexico (Edge)
January 15, 2025
Social Media - Blog
COVID-19 Research Continues in Kodiak, Alaska: Part 2 (Edge)
September 21, 2024
Social Media - Blog
Our COVID-19 Research Continues in Kodiak, Alaska, Part 2
APU Edge
September 21, 2024
Social Media - Blog
COVID-19 Research Continues in Kodiak, Alaska: Part 1 (Edge)
September 20, 2024
Social Media - Blog
Our COVID-19 Research Continues in Kodiak, Alaska, Part 1
APU Edge
September 20, 2024
Social Media - Blog
Pandemic Research and Presenting at the LASA Conference
APU Edge
August 9, 2024
Social Media - Blog
How can extracurricular activities help advance your legal career? (Edge, Shontale interview)
April 17, 2024
Social Media - Blog
Women's History Month: Motivated by an Advocate for Justice (part 3 Pedro Maldonado)
March 28, 2024
Social Media - Blog
Women's History Month Series, Part 2: Ferris Elise Mayfield and her Heroine of Women's History in STEM
March 8, 2024
Social Media - Blog
March is Women's History Month: Featuring Two Influential Women in STEM (Edge)
March 1, 2024
Social Media - Blog
Exploring the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Aftermath in Belize
APU Edge
December 5, 2023
Social Media - Blog
Faculty Research Examines the Pandemic Experience in Rural Belize, Central America
December 5, 2023
Social Media - Blog
Faculty Conclude Pandemic Field Work in Indigenous Communities of Guatemala (cowritten with Michelle Watts)
April 18, 2023
Social Media - Blog
Pandemic Study in Belize: Silverio Canto, Mayan Healer
APU Edge
April 3, 2023
Social Media - Blog
Faculty Continue COVID-19 Research: Belize and Guatemala
APU Edge
March 23, 2023
Social Media - Blog
A COVID-19 Pandemic Study Continues in Southeast Alaska
APU Edge
August 22, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Pandemic Impact Study to Continue in Alaska during August
APU Edge
July 29, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Pandemic Study on Indigenous Communities Continues in Metlakatla, Alaska in early August (co-written with Dr. Casey Skvorc, Dr. Michelle Watts and Tara Shultz)
APU Edge
July 29, 2022
Social Media - Blog
A Story of Success from Commencement: How a Faculty Member Influenced a Rising APU Graduate
APU Edge
July 6, 2022
Social Media - Blog
How Faculty Members Influenced a Recent University Graduate
APU Edge
July 6, 2022
Social Media - Blog
COVID-19’s Impacts on Indigenous Communities in Alaska
APU Edge
July 1, 2022
Social Media - Blog
A Study of COVID Impacts on Indigenous Communities: On Site in Perryville, Alaska with APUS Doctoral Student, Anthony Caole
APU Edge
June 30, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Fighting Climate Change, One Personal Choice at a Time - Pt. 2 | EP39
Exploring STEM (Podcast)
May 19, 2022
Social Media - Podcast
COVID-19 Research: Studying Its Impact on Native Communities
AMU Edge
May 5, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Faculty-Student Field Research on COVID Impacts in Indigenous Communities
APU Edge
May 5, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Fighting Climate Change, One Personal Choice at a Time - Pt.1 | EP38
Exploring STEM (Podcast)
May 5, 2022
Social Media - Podcast
International Dark Sky Week
APU Edge
April 13, 2022
Social Media - Blog
International Dark Sky Week Is Coming Up on April 22
APU Edge
April 13, 2022
Social Media - Blog
April Celebrates Earth Day and National Park Week
APU Edge
April 12, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Celebrating National Park Week and Earth Day This Month
APU Edge
April 12, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Why Marie Curie Remains an Inspiration for Women in STEM
AMU Edge
March 25, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Women's History Month, 2022: Featuring Women's Achievements in Physics, Chemistry, and Medicine (cowritten with current student Marisa Estrada)
APU Edge
March 25, 2022
Social Media - Blog
C.O.W.R.I.I.T.E. Our Climate Future, Part 2: Actions you can take locally to positively influence global climate change
APU Edge
March 17, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Local, Daily Actions Can Influence Climate Change (Part 2)
APU Edge
March 17, 2022
Social Media - Blog
C.O.W.R.I.I.T.E. Our Climate Future, Part 1: Actions you can take locally to positively influence global climate change
APU Edge
March 15, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Local, Daily Actions Can Influence Climate Change (Part 1)
APU Edge
March 15, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Celebrating March as Women's History Month: Women in Information Technology
AMU Edge
March 1, 2022
Social Media - Blog
Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women’s IT Achievements
APU Edge
March 1, 2022
Social Media - Blog
The 2022 Olympic Games: Lacking a Good Carbon Footprint
APU Edge
February 4, 2022
Social Media - Blog
The Beijing Winter Olympics: An Environmental Misadventure
APU Edge
February 4, 2022
Social Media - Blog
A Conversation about Climate Change (and What to Do at the Local Level) | EP29
Exploring STEM (Podcast)
December 31, 2021
Social Media - Podcast
Connecting with the Natural World through Science Education | EP21
Exploring STEM (Podcast)
September 17, 2021
Social Media - Podcast
Protecting Oceans Worldwide: World Ocean Day Is Coming Up
APU Edge
June 5, 2021
Social Media - Blog
Saturday, May 22 Is the International Day for Biodiversity
APU Edge
May 19, 2021
Social Media - Blog
Planetary Sustainability: The 2021 Celebration of Earth Day
APU Edge
April 19, 2021
Social Media - Blog
Planetary Sustainability: Make a Plan for National Park Week
APU Edge
April 16, 2021
Social Media - Blog
Planetary Sustainability and Celebrating César Chávez Day
APU Edge
March 31, 2021
Social Media - Blog
Planetary Sustainability: Encouraging True Gender Equality
APU Edge
March 12, 2021
Social Media - Blog
Planetary Sustainability: Space Exploration and Technology
APU Edge
March 10, 2021
Social Media - Blog
Earth Day Celebrates its 50th Anniversary Today
Online Learning Tips
April 22, 2020
Social Media - Blog
Coronavirus's Persistence on Surfaces and Household Pets
EDM Digest
April 10, 2020
Social Media - Blog
This Week in Science: Hot Air Ballooning Celebrates an Anniversary
Medium
October 2, 2019
Social Media - Blog
APU Team Conducts Socio-Ecological Research in Belize
OnlineLearningTips
August 28, 2019
Social Media - Blog
University Team to Conduct Research in Belize This Month
OnlineLearningTips
July 10, 2019
Social Media - Blog
This Week in Science: First Nylon Parachute Jump in 1942
Military History
June 6, 2019
Social Media - Blog
This Week in Science History: Smallpox Eradicated in 1980
EDM Digest
May 8, 2019
Social Media - Blog
AMU Alumna’s Career as Air Force Pilot, NASA Crew Member
InSpaceNews
May 7, 2019
Social Media - Blog
Happy 100th Birthday National Parks!
ZME Science
August 24, 2016
Social Media - Blog
Local Communities Vital to Forest Conservation
Blogher
August 25, 2015
Social Media - Blog
Understanding the Role of Local Communities in Forest Conservation
ZME Science
August 7, 2015
Social Media - Blog
Certifications and Licensure
July 28, 2024
CITI - Social & Behavioral Research - Basic/Refresher
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)
July 28, 2024
CITI - Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)
August 13, 2021
CITI - Social & Behavioral Research - Basic/Refresher
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)
August 13, 2021
CITI - Social and Behavioral Responsible Conduct of Research
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)
January 25, 2016
CITI - Social & Behavioral Research - Basic/Refresher
Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI)
Awards & Honors
July 15,
2022
Unsung Leader Award
APUS
For those whose contributions to Academics come not from title, but from their hard work and their inspiration of others to become better leaders. This individual shows initiative, demonstrates motivation, and makes Academics a more inclusive organization.
June 30,
2021
Outstanding Leadership - Chapter Advisor for Association of Women in Science
APUS
Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
June 30,
2021
Outstanding Leadership - Chapter Advisor for Women in STEM (wSTEM)
APUS
Women in STEM
June 16,
2021
2020 University Strategic Initiative – Catalyst – Learning Management System Migration
APUS
During 2020, the earner of this badge made significant contributions to the migration of courses to a new online classroom to improve user experience, promote student-to-student and faculty-to-student interaction, enable a robust mobile classroom, and further differentiate APUS as a leader in online learning.
May 2021
Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award
American Public University
1. https://apuedge.com/congratulations-to-our-2021-faculty-award-winners/?hsamp_network=linkedinhsamp
2. www.apu.apus.edu/student-activities/awards-recognition/boston-award.htm
Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award | American Military University (apus.edu)
Established in 2016, this award is presented annually by the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees during commencement weekend and recognizes a member of the APUS community (student, alumnus, faculty, administrator, or university partner) in recognition of outstanding leadership, for their significant impact on their community, industry, or the world around us.
Eligibility CriteriaA student, alumnus, faculty, staff member, board member, stakeholder, or ally of the universityLeader has made a significant impact on their community, industry, or the worldLeader has inspired and motivated others to pursue noble and notable pursuitsServes as a change agent for the greater goodReason for nomination/impact on the University communityLeads in a manner that reflects the university's core values of integrity, diversity, and accountability
2. www.apu.apus.edu/student-activities/awards-recognition/boston-award.htm
Wallace E. Boston Leadership Award | American Military University (apus.edu)
Established in 2016, this award is presented annually by the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees during commencement weekend and recognizes a member of the APUS community (student, alumnus, faculty, administrator, or university partner) in recognition of outstanding leadership, for their significant impact on their community, industry, or the world around us.
Eligibility CriteriaA student, alumnus, faculty, staff member, board member, stakeholder, or ally of the universityLeader has made a significant impact on their community, industry, or the worldLeader has inspired and motivated others to pursue noble and notable pursuitsServes as a change agent for the greater goodReason for nomination/impact on the University communityLeads in a manner that reflects the university's core values of integrity, diversity, and accountability
August 3,
2020
Outstanding Leadership-Chapter Advisor Recognition
APUS
Association for Women in Science (AWIS) and wSTEM
April 1,
2020
Undergraduate Excellence in Teaching Award for the School of STEM
APUS
See screen shot attachment: "On behalf of the faculty and staff, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on receiving the Undergraduate Excellence in Teaching Award for the School of STEM!"
June 28,
2019
Outstanding Leadership - Chapter Advisor Recognition
APUS
Assocation for Women in Science (AWIS) and wSTEM
September 30,
2018
Winner, Best Film, "Yochi"
Universal Film Festival
Winner of Best Film at the annual Universal Film Festival. Ilana Lapid (Director); Kristi Drexler (Producer)
April 11,
2018
Visiting Scholar
Universidad de LaSalle (Bogota, Columbia)
The School of Habitat Science accepted me as a visiting scholar during the International La Salle Summer Academy 2018: Innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. This is competitive, with a large number of proposals from faculty all over the world.
May 2017
Darrel Willey Scholarship Award
New Mexico State University
$1050 award (4.0 GPA)
November 2016
Best Short Film (Producer of "Yochi")
Belize International Film Festival
I produce a short film (yochifilm.com), a narrative story about a protecting endangered wildlife from illegal poaching and trade.
This film made the top 25 as an Oscar qualifying film. It has been invited to 15 film international and environmental festivals, including (most recently), the DC Environmental Film Festival in March, 2018 and Tunisia Environmental Film Festival (May, 2018).
February 2016
Ramon Dominguez Scholarship
New Mexico State University
$943 scholarship award (4.0 GPA, educational leadership)
November 2008
Campus Globalization Award
New Mexico State University
NMSU has a long tradition of honoring those making significant contributions to the internationalization of the campus.