Brenda Casper

Brenda Casper is a Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Utah (1982). Her research focuses on plant ecology, with emphasis on climate change impacts, soil contaminant effects, and coastal dune dynamics. Current projects include a multi-year climate change experiment in Mongolian steppe ecosystems, investigations into plant-soil microbe interactions in polluted sites, and studies on dune-building plant traits.

Her research interests span functional leaf traits, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and plant responses to environmental stressors. Courses taught include BIOL 101 (Introductory Biology A), BIOL 240 (Ecology and Population Biology), BIOL 423 (Plant Ecology), and BIOL 444 (Advanced Ecology and Population Biology).

Publications highlight contributions to understanding plant adaptation to heavy metal pollution, climate-induced phenological shifts, and long-term ecological succession. No recent graduate students are listed, though her lab has collaborated on international field experiments. No awards explicitly mentioned, but her work demonstrates sustained engagement with global environmental challenges.