Eliana Goodwin is the Engagement and Activities Coordinator at the Borderlands Research Institute, where she leads community outreach and educational initiatives to strengthen connections between conservation science and the public. She works closely with faculty, students, and conservation partners to create opportunities for learning and collaboration.

A native of the Coastal Bend region of South Texas, Eliana first visited West Texas in 2020 and was captivated by its landscapes and wildlife. She moved to Alpine the following year to pursue a BS in Natural Resource Management with a concentration in Conservation Biology, graduating from Sul Ross State University in 2024. During her undergraduate years, she participated in the Borderlands Undergraduate Mentorship Program, assisting with research on desert bighorn sheep, aoudad, and mule deer. She also volunteered consistently with grassland bird, pronghorn, and habitat restoration projects. These experiences solidified her interest in conservation outreach and ecological research.

Eliana is now pursuing an MS in Range and Wildlife Management at Sul Ross. Her graduate research at Fort Davis National Historic Site evaluates grassland habitats for pollinators under different mowing regimes. Passionate about relationship-building, she is committed to sharing science-based information and encouraging stewardship of West Texas lands and wildlife. Her enthusiasm and collaborative spirit make her a valuable part of the BRI team.