Miranda Butler-Valverde was born and raised in southern New Mexico. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Science from New Mexico State University.

Miranda has lived in various locations across the United States and abroad working on projects focused on a variety of species including ocelots, brown hyenas, American crocodiles, golden eagles, spotted owls, and northern goshawks. It was through these different opportunities that she became interested in scavenging dynamics which led her to obtain a Master of Science degree from the University of Georgia studying scavenger feeding behaviors. Miranda is interested in species interactions, bird ecology, and habitat conservation. During her free time, she enjoys hiking, fly fishing, gardening, and cooking. She also collects skulls and likes to identify bird feathers. Her favorite bird? The Lazuli Bunting. Miranda is looking forward to her new position as an Avian Biologist for Audubon Southwest where she will oversee habitat improvement projects and assist with the Audubon Conservation Ranching program.