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.

TIANY HERNANDEZ, MS STUDENT

Tiany is studying germination requirements of the lesser purple fringed orchid (Platanthera psycodes) with the goal of facilitating the conservation of this charismatic species, and it's woodland habitat. 

BRIAN LOVEJOY, PHD STUDENT

Brian is interested in understanding how urban greenspaces with different plantings contribute to stormwater management. Brian is co-advised with Sophie Taddeo. 

RORY SCHIAFO, PHD STUDENT

Rory is a second year PhD student interested in plant community ecology, management, land-use, and restoration. While working in the Barak lab, she will be 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.

ERIN SNYDER, MS STUDENT

Erin is interested in restoration, novel ecosystems, urban ecology, and community science. Her research explores the impact of seed source on seed germination and plant establishment to test a habitat analog restoration model for former steel industry sites in Chicago. Specifically, Erin studies whether slag can support dolomite prairie species and, if so, guide seed source selection for restoration in post-industrial landscapes. Erin is co-advised with Andrea Kramer. 

AIDDEN TAPIA, MS STUDENT

Aidden is studying pollinators in Chicago's parks, as part of the lawn alternatives project.