Research Overview

My current research explores what rewilding looks like in practice. My work is grounded in social science, particularly conservation psychology. Increasingly, I work on translating the ecological principles of rewilding science into practical application on the ground, and on bringing researchers and practitioners together around the questions that emerge at the intersection of science and practice.

This builds on my previous research in private land conservation, where I studied the experiences and perspectives of conservation landowners and the motivations, values, and social context that shape their decisions about conservation.

Current Research

Rewilding Science

I convene an informal working group of rewilding scientists whose expertise spans rewilding practice and implementation, rangeland science, introduced megafauna macroecology, restoration ecology, conservation psychology, and conservation medicine and One Health. Together, we are working to translate current rewilding science into practice, strengthen the connection between researchers and practitioners, and develop research partnerships around the emerging questions at that interface.

Beaver Coexistence in Colorado

In partnership with the Southern Plains Land Trust, this project examines attitudes toward beavers in southeastern Colorado. The research establishes a baseline for future assessment and explores how people relate to beavers both where coexistence is a direct issue on private property and more broadly as a species.

Cattle Trespass in Protected Areas

This binational project examines the social and ecological dimensions of cattle trespass into Big Bend National Park. Cattle regularly cross the Rio Grande from ejido lands in Coahuila, Mexico, creating a longstanding resource management challenge. The project brings together Mexican and U.S. NGOs, government agencies, and researchers to engage with local ranchers to better understand the human dimensions of cattle trespass.

Publications

Thomas, R., Hauptfeld, R. Gonzalez, M., & Gooden, J. In press. How to do qualitative and mixed method research. Chapter in Chizinski, C.J. & Wallen, K.E., Human Dimensions of Wildlife Management. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Gooden, J. & Kovecses, J. 2026. Three perspectives on biodiversity conservation strategy. Salazar Center for North American Conservation, Colorado State University.

ʼt Sas‐Rolfes, M., & Gooden, J. 2024. A conflict of visions: Ideas shaping wildlife trade policy toward African megafauna. People and Nature 6(5), 2029-2045. doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10705.

Gooden, J. & Pritzlaff, R. 2021. Dryland watershed restoration with rock detention structures: A nature-based solution to mitigate drought, erosion, flooding, and atmospheric carbon. Frontiers in Environmental Science. doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.679189.

Gooden, J. & ’t Sas-Rolfes, M. 2019. A review of critical perspectives on private land conservation in academic literature. Ambio. doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01258-y.

Gooden, J. & Grenyer, R. 2019. The psychological appeal of owning private land for conservation. Conservation Biology 33(2): 339-350. doi:10.1111/cobi.1321.

Gooden, J. & Moir, F. 2019. Consensus, clusters, and trade-offs in wildlife-friendly ranching: An advance analysis of stakeholder goals in northern Mexico. Biological Conservation 236: 443-451. doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2019.06.004.

Gooden, J. 2019. Cultivating identity through private land conservation. People and Nature. doi:10.1002/pan3.32.
Plain language summary: Nature reserve owners see themselves through the lens of their relationship with the land.

Gooden, J. 2019. Prudential value and the meaning of nature conservation. ECOS 40(2). British Association of Nature Conservationists, www.ecos.org.uk/ecos-402-prudential-value-and-the-meaning-of-nature-conservation/.

Root-Bernstein, M., Gooden, J., & Boyes, A. 2018. Rewilding in practice: Projects and policy. Geoforum. doi:10.1016/j.geoforum.2018.09.01.

Gooden, J. 2016. The red tape of rewilding. ECOS, 37(2), 11-18.

DPhil (PhD), University of Oxford

Research on the motivations and decision-making of private landowners engaged in conservation.

Advisors: Gordon Clark, Richard Grenyer

MSc, Biodiversity Conservation and Management, University of Oxford

Research examining the policy dimensions of rewilding, with a focus on how rewilding concepts can inform conservation practice.

Advisor: Paul Jepson

AB, Psychology, Harvard University

Research in social psychology examining implicit attitudes, social cognition, and decision-making.

Advisor: Nalini Ambady