HUH Seminar Series - Michael Coe

Dr. Michael Coe
Assistant Professor
Tarleton State University

Title: Hypotheses-Driven Research in Ethnobiology & Ayahuasca Sustainability

Abstract: This presentation explores theory-inspired and hypothesis-driven research in ethnobiology, applied ecological methods to inform sustainable harvest and management of medicinal plants, and woven science frameworks integrating science and traditional knowledge developed through the Coe Lab. The presentation will explore theories in ethnobiology of non-random plant selection, non-random organ selection, and optimal defense theories along with their major predictions and support to date. Harvest impact assessments for ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) will also be highlighted along with efforts towards sustainable ayahuasca production in the Peruvian Amazon basin. Finally, woven science frameworks combining traditional knowledge and contemporary ecology will be discussed with their application to help inform sustainable ayahuasca management. This presentation will discuss the implications of these research findings for conservation, sustainability, medicine discovery, and global medicine security while also emphasizing the need for collaborative approaches that involve the integration of traditional knowledge systems.