Kate Ballantine

Kate Ballantine is a Professor and the Marjorie Fisher Professor of Environmental Studies at Mount Holyoke College, where she also chairs the Environmental Studies program. She is affiliated with the Department of Environmental Studies and the Restoration Ecology Program, conducting interdisciplinary research in wetland restoration and ecosystem function.

Education:

• A.B., Smith College
• M.S., Cornell University
• Ph.D., Cornell University

Her research expertise lies in restoration ecology, wetland biogeochemistry, soil microbial ecology, and ecosystem functions. She investigates how restored wetlands evolve over time, particularly on former agricultural lands, focusing on carbon storage, water purification, and climate regulation. Her work bridges science and practice through real-world student projects and community engagement.

The recent publications show a consistent focus on ecosystem recovery, microbial dynamics, greenhouse gas fluxes, and nutrient cycling in restored wetlands, especially in post-cranberry farmland contexts. Her research combines field experiments with laboratory analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration techniques.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Mount Holyoke College Faculty Award
• Invited Speaker at University of Connecticut (November, 2018)

Kate Ballantine actively mentors students and leads externally funded research projects. She received a grant from the Restore America's Estuaries: SNEP Watershed Grants for Bioreactors for Enhanced Nitrogen Removal in Coastal Cranberry Farms and contributed to a USDA NRCS award for Cranberry Bog Conservation and Habitat Restoration. Her teaching emphasizes experiential learning, enabling students to become producers of scientific knowledge.

She is a key member of the Restoration Ecology Program, leading collaborative research that integrates students and professionals across disciplines to advance both ecological science and restoration practice.