Frederica Bowcutt

Frederica Bowcutt is a Professor of Botany and Environmental History at The Evergreen State College, where she has taught for 29 years. She serves as Director of the Biodiversity Center, a key public service unit, and has co-taught with 24 colleagues across disciplines including history, art, and political economy. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary, equity-focused education and community-based research.

Education: Ph.D. Ecology (UC Davis, 1996), M.S. Botany (UC Davis, 1989), B.A. Botany (UC Berkeley, 1981). She specializes in culturally responsive pedagogy and has developed innovative curricula integrating feminist economics and ecological restoration.

Research focuses on the intersectional ecofeminist history of plants, particularly cotton in the American South and culturally significant species like tanoak and camas. She leads projects documenting Pacific Northwest prairie flora, including a community-authored field guide. Recent work emphasizes decolonizing scientific practices through partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Teaching and mentorship: Advises undergraduate and graduate researchers, designs programs like 'Restoring Landscapes: Picturing Plants,' and publishes pedagogical frameworks for inclusive science education. Her courses combine fieldwork, art, and historical analysis to address environmental justice and ecological literacy.

Labs/Initiatives: Directs the Biodiversity Center, overseeing projects like the Salish Sea Prairie Flora Project. Collaborates with organizations such as the Center for Natural Lands Management and Washington Native Plant Society to advance ecological restoration and public education.