About Us
Abnova Ecological Solutions is a purpose-driven environmental research and consulting firm focused on advancing ecosystem health, resilience, and functionality. Established in 2022, Abnova unites a multidisciplinary team of ecologists, data scientists, and environmental professionals with expertise in restoration science, policy, GIS, statistics, and remote sensing. Grounded in ecological principles and empowered by innovative technologies, we deliver data-informed solutions that support regulatory compliance and long-term sustainability.
MEET ABNOVA
Dr. Mike Curran
CEO, Principal Ecologist
Dr. Michael Curran is the founder of Abnova Ecological Solutions and a Certified Wildlife Biologist® with a Ph.D. in Ecology and Graduate Minor in Statistics from the University of Wyoming. He specializes in most things related to ecology, including reclamation and restoration planning and monitoring, developing innovative techniques that improve data quality and reduce field time, data management, spatial dashboards, and environmental policy (NEPA, SWPPP, Endangered Species Act, and more).
Mike has worked with over 25 operating companies and various State and Federal government agencies to support habitat reporting to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and has contributed to national conservation efforts, including the sage-grouse listing decision. He holds certifications in drone piloting, restoration ecology, and first aid, and has presented at 70+ conferences across North America. While in graduate school, Curran won both the MS and PhD Student Awards from the American Society of Reclamation Sciences along with the U. Wyoming Brand of Excellence Scholarship. Since starting Abnova, Curran on the Early Career Professional Award (2024) and Richard I. and Lela M. Reclamation Researcher of the Year Award (2025) from the American Society of Reclamation Sciences.
OUR TEAM
Zach Farmer
Field Operations Officer
Zach brings a unique and invaluable perspective to our team, with a background that spans military service and environmental restoration. After joining the United States Marine Corps in 2006, he deployed twice to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and later earned the distinguished title of Critical Skills Operator/Marine Raider with MARSOC. After completing his military service in 2020, Zachary set his sights on a new mission—earning his political science degree from the University of Wyoming.
Steve Bower
Chief Administrative Officer
Steve comes to us with 14 years of experience as a high school teacher and curriculum writer at Keyport High School in New Jersey. Since 2022, Steve has helped streamline our dashboard systems, using Power BI and other tools to turn complex data into clear, actionable insights for our reclamation and restoration projects. On top of his writing and data expertise, Steve is also an ASHI and Red Cross-certified instructor in CPR, First Aid, and AED—bringing even more strength to our culture of safety.
ABNOVA AFFILIATES
Lauren Van Hise
Speak Media
With over six years of experience in content strategy and marketing, Lauren founded Speak Media to offer creative, cost-effective solutions that connect authentically with audiences and drive real results. She’s also no stranger to the world of ecology—Lauren grew up on a farm in New Jersey and supports Abnova’s communications efforts, helping transform complex restoration data into clear, compelling stories. Fun fact: Lauren and Abnova’s founder, Dr. Mike Curran, go way back to their lifeguarding days at the University of Delaware!
Dr. Tim Robinson
University of Wyoming Department of Mathematics & Statistics
We’re proud to have Dr. Tim Robinson as an affiliate of Abnova Ecology. He has co-authored 9 peer-reviewed studies with Abnova founder Dr. Mike Curran on everything from sampling strategies and route optimization to insect response to reclamation, biodiversity, and soil science. Near future outcomes include dashboard systems, ecosystem service response to reclamation, sage-grouse diet analysis, and furthering optimization of reclamation monitoring.
Beyond Abnova, Tim is a Professor at the University of Wyoming and a Fellow of both the American Statistical Association – ASA and the American Society for Quality. His statistical expertise spans ecology, medicine, sports, and engineering.
Shawn Lanning
GISP, Geospatial Specialist, WyGISC
With more than two decades of experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Shawn Lanning brings deep geospatial experience to support Abnova Ecology. He is a certified GIS Professional, FAA-licensed drone pilot, and a founding member and former president of the Wyoming Geospatial Organization.
Shawn supports Abnova with GIS program development, spatial analysis, and data visualization. His drone expertise enhances our remote sensing capabilities—most notably, he co-designed flight plans for one of the first peer-reviewed studies using UAS technology to monitor rangeland vegetation. By optimizing flight routes, the team significantly improved data collection speed and efficiency.
