Birgit Schmook holds a master's degree in Agriculture from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, and a doctorate in Geography from Clark University, USA. Her overall research interests are in the field of the human–environment relationship, but throughout her 26-year tenure at ECOSUR, Mexico, she has dedicated substantial time and effort to participatory research. She is currently a Titular “D” researcher (equivalent to full professor) at ECOSUR, where she has directed and participated in various research projects on topics such as the impact of migration on local farming systems, land use changes, effects of natural disturbances and their social and economic consequences, and the impacts of public policies in rural areas. As a teacher in ECOSUR's master's program, she teaches courses on human–environment interactions, as well as on socio-ecological systems. She has also been an adjunct professor at Utah State University since 2014. Birgit is a productive scientist who has published over 80 articles and book chapters and advised 25 graduate students at the master’s and PhD levels.