Francesca Shirley is an ecologist and water resources scientist located in Albuquerque, NM. Francesca received her Master of Water Resources from the University of New Mexico (UNM) and studied English and Biology as an undergraduate. Francesca grew up playing in the cottonwoods of the Rio Grande Bosque, and her love for being on the river inspired a career in water resources. Francesca has spent the last decade working on riparian habitat restoration projects in the Middle Rio Grande valley.
Francesca is a Senior Water Resources Scientist for the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (Water Authority), focusing on aquifer storage and recovery projects, endangered species compliance, and adaptive management of habitat restoration projects. She has previously served roles for the City of Santa Fe, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, and Yerba Mansa Project. Her experience working in both municipal and agricultural sectors lends to her unique perspectives on water
resource management and collaboration.
Francesca enjoys adventures in the mountains with her dogs, working in the garden, and creating mixed-media art.
