Mitchell Coleman is a botanist and land manager working with the Tejon Ranch Conservancy. His research interests include the ecophysiology of arid shrublands (especially halophytes) in the San Joaquin and Mojave Deserts, with an applied focus on restoration and habitat enhancement. In his current role, Mitchell manages the Conservancy’s science and stewardship programs, as well as serving as the organization's dedicated easement monitor for the 10 active conservation easements on the Ranch. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Westmont College, an M.S. in Biology from California State University, Bakersfield, and is currently a PhD student at the University of California, Riverside.