Elizabeth is a PhD student in the Forestry Department at Mississippi State University studying invasive grass genetic variation and chemical management methods, specifically autotoxicity. She brought an incredibly unique perspective to the YVoS program, having engaged with her research topic on a variety of levels. Along with researching an invasive plant, she’s also worked with invasive plant managers, volunteered in invasive plant removals, and watched the trees in her childhood home be decimated by an invasive insect. Engaging with her research topic outside of academia has given her insight into the disconnect between scientific knowledge and management practices, and it has helped her understand how the disconnect arises.
To this end, Elizabeth wrote an op-ed for publication partner Undark entitled “Our Toxic Relationship with Herbicides: An Invasive Plant Management Perspective” in which she draws on her extensive experience with invasive plants to craft the argument that in spite of the negative impacts of herbicides, it’s currently our best bet at managing invasive plants. You can read more HERE.
