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, Prinicpal Ecologist, Co Owner
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.
Zach Farmer
Field Operations Officer, Co Owner
Zachary Farmer is a U.S. Marine Corps Special Operations veteran, field operations professional, and University of Wyoming graduate with extensive experience in leadership, international coordination, training, intelligence reporting, and environmental compliance. During more than a decade of military service, he served as a Marine Raider and Critical Skills Operator, led personnel in high-risk operations, trained U.S. and foreign special operations forces, coordinated with government agencies and embassy officials, and managed millions of dollars in mission-essential equipment. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V” for valorous actions in Afghanistan and later served as an instructor and evaluator for Marine Special Operations candidates. As Field Operations Officer for Abnova Ecological Solutions, Zachary applies his operational expertise to vegetation sampling, regulatory monitoring, wildlife and erosion data collection, invasive species management, and scientific research supporting responsible energy development and ecological restoration.
OUR TEAM
Jordan Aikens
Rangeland, Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist
Jordan Aikens is an aspiring fisheries and wildlife professional with a Bachelor of Science in Fish and Wildlife Biology and Management from the University of Wyoming, complemented by military leadership experience and hands-on natural resource management.
As a former U.S. Army Infantry Fireteam Leader, he developed strong leadership, mentorship, and organizational skills while managing personnel, government assets, and operations in high-pressure environments.
Jordan has further strengthened his conservation expertise through seasonal work with the City of Laramie maintaining public trails and as an Aquatic Invasive Species Technician with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, where he conducted watercraft inspections, collected and analyzed field data, and educated the public on invasive species prevention.
His background combines technical knowledge in fisheries management, statistical data analysis, environmental regulations, and professional communication with a proven commitment to conservation, teamwork, and stewardship of natural resources.
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.
Beau Hyatt
Field and Geotechnical Engineer, Equipment Manager
Beau Hyatt is a Civil Engineering student at the University of Wyoming who brings more than 16 years of proven military leadership experience together with a strong technical background in fabrication, manufacturing, and engineering support. His experience includes leading large teams in mission-critical logistics operations for the U.S. Navy, contributing to the development of automated manufacturing systems in a research and development environment, and completing hands-on conservation and trail restoration projects across Wyoming.
Beau has developed practical skills in engineering fundamentals, technical drawing interpretation, welding, CNC machining, equipment operation, and engineering software such as SolidWorks, while pursuing coursework in civil engineering materials, fluid dynamics, and surveying. He combines leadership, technical aptitude, and field experience with a commitment to building a career in civil, geotechnical, and hydrological engineering.
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.
