Leslie Ruyle is an ecologist working across academic disciplines to create innovative solutions to reduce conflict and improve conservation and economic development outcomes for local communities. She is the assistant director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, holds a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ghana, West Africa, and has managed university-based initiatives for the National Science Foundation and USAID.