PEOPLE

BECKY BARAK, CONSERVATION SCIENTIST

Becky is an Assistant Conservation Scientist at Chicago Botanic Garden and Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University in the Program in Plant Biology and Conservation. Becky studies seed biology and biodiversity in restored tallgrass prairies, and how decisions are made for restoration, particularly for seed mix design.

BRIAN LOVEJOY, PHD CANDIDATE

Brian is a PhD candidate interested in understanding how urban greenspaces with different plantings contribute to stormwater management. He is interested in how people make decisions about their lawn planting and maintenance. Brian is co-advised with Sophie Taddeo.

SARAH HOLLIS, MS STUDENT

Sarah is a MS student and research assistant in the Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seedbank. Sarah is interested in seed longevity as well as how seedbanks function.

RORY SCHIAFO, PHD CANDIDATE

Rory is a PhD candidate interested in plant community ecology, management, land-use, and restoration. Rory is asking plant community ecology questions within the context of restoration, and using ecological theory to help guide restoration science. Rory is interested in studying how plant communities assemble and change along land-use history and management gradients.

LIBBY SHAFER, PHD STUDENT

Libby is a PhD student interested in how lawns and other urban landscapes support bumblebees, and how to enhance lawns with pollinator-supporting plants.

LAB ALUMNI

Alison Branz, MS, Research Intern, Morton Arboretum

Tiany Hernandez, MS

Erin Snyder, MS, Research Assistant, Plants of Concern

Aidden Tapia, MS, Community Coordinator for Chicago Region Trees Initiative, Morton Arboretum