Kayri Havens

Kayri Havens, PhD, serves as Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science at the Chicago Botanic Garden. She holds adjunct roles as Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Adjunct Professor of Biology at Northwestern University, and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology at Loyola University Chicago. Her research focuses on ex situ plant conservation, restoration ecology, pollination biology, and invasive species management. Dr. Havens leads initiatives such as Budburst, a citizen-science program tracking plant phenology, and contributes to national seed banking efforts through the Seeds of Success program.

• Education: PhD in Plant Biology
• Professional Affiliations: American Public Gardens Association, Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Plant Conservation Alliance

Her research integrates genetic, demographic, and ecological approaches to address conservation challenges. Recent work includes studies on Cirsium pitcheri pollination dynamics, seed transfer zones for restoration, and predictive risk assessments for invasive plants. She collaborates with graduate students across multiple institutions, mentoring over 30 students since 2002.

Publications emphasize conservation genetics, restoration strategies, and invasive species impacts. She co-authored the National Academies' 2023 report on native seed supply capacity and pioneered the Chicago Botanic Garden's Invasive Plant Policy. Current projects include applying zoo conservation models to plant populations and evaluating fecundity differences among plant cultivars.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and collaborates with the Plant Conservation Alliance and Botanic Gardens Conservation International.