Francisco Santiago-Ávila
Fellow and Clerk of the BoardBiography
Fran researches and practices the application of nature ethics to our mixed-community of people, animals, and nature, with a focus on the promotion of worldviews rooted in non-anthropocentrism, an ethic of care, and justice.
His quantitative research has focused on the evaluation of the impact of policies and interventions to both conserve and prevent conflicts with large carnivores, specifically with endangered wolves in the US (gray, Mexican, red). His qualitative research interest and advocacy work focus on the promotion of ethical deliberation to equitably consider animal claims within the policy process, and the exploration of worldviews that promote the flourishing of our entire community of life.
Fran holds a BA in political science and economics from the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, master’s degrees in public policy and environmental management from Duke University, and a PhD in environment and resources from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He currently serves as Science & Advocacy Director at Washington Wildlife First, where he advances ethically grounded, science-informed wildlife policy and governance reform. As a founding board member and fellow at PANWorks, Fran contributes to the development of ethical frameworks that recognize the intrinsic value of nonhuman beings and promote justice across species.