Betsey (Elizabeth) Boughton, Ph.D., is the Director of Science and Program Director of Agroecology at Archbold Biological Station in Florida, USA. Her research focuses on how working landscapes can be strategically managed to enhance biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem services, and support climate resilience. Much of her work takes place at Archbold’s Buck Island Ranch, a full commercial-scale cow–calf operation that serves as an experimental platform for long‑term ecological studies aimed at balancing agricultural production with environmental stewardship.

Dr. Boughton holds a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology from the University of Central Florida and completed postdoctoral research in the Florida Everglades Headwaters, where she examined trade-offs and synergies in a payment-for-water-services program on ranchlands with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

A leading collaborator in national research networks, Dr. Boughton works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network, AmeriFlux, and the global Nutrient Network. She leads multidisciplinary initiatives that unite land managers, ranchers, scientists, industry partners, and conservation organizations to translate ecological research into practical, on‑the‑ground solutions.

She has authored 88 peer‑reviewed publications and is widely recognized for her contributions to rangeland ecology and applied conservation science. In 2018, Dr. Boughton received the Researcher of the Year Award from the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, honoring her impactful and collaborative research benefitting Florida’s working landscapes.