Andrea Nord
My research focuses on invasive species in managed forest ecosystems. In particular, I’m interested in Microstegium vinimeum (Japanese stiltgrass), an annual grass that is quite invasive in many ecosystems of the eastern US. In my work I’m trying to identify which factors in the invaded habitat influence growth of a Microstegium population, and how differences in habitat type affect the outcome of control measures. I am wrapping up a study of Microstegium populations that were planted by Brian Jones in 2003 and monitored by Nora Peskin for several years; I’m also initiating a study of control methods in the nearby Rothrock State Forest.
I earned my B.A. in 1994 at Goshen College (Goshen, IN), a small liberal arts college with a strong international learning emphasis. In 1998 I completed my M.S. in Penn State’s Ecology program, studying the long-term plant community effects of reclaiming surface mines using municipal biosolids as a soil amendment, under the direction of Dr. Larry McCormick in the School of Forest Resources. In 1999 my husband and I began a three-year term with the Mennonite Central Committee, working on environmental concerns and natural resource management in several villages of western Honduras. I came away from this experience deeply impressed by the interconnectedness of poverty and environmental degradation; also convinced that three years ins only long enough to begin to understand the problems, not to solve any of them! Upon our return to the US in 2002, we spent a year sharing an interim biology professor position at Goshen College. This first year of teaching proved challenging but fulfilling. We decided to make a career of it, and moved back to State College to finish our degrees.
My productivity at the university is kept in check by two small children, a husband, and a garden; several hobbies which complain of feeling neglected; and a tendency to lose track of time while wandering around outside looking at plants and bugs and things.
Contact Andrea.