Luke McCormack

Luke McCormack is an Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois–Chicago and leads the Root Biology Research Group at The Morton Arboretum. His work focuses on understanding root functional traits and processes across plant species and environments, emphasizing their role in ecosystem health and resilience. McCormack holds a PhD in Ecology and Biogeochemistry from Penn State University and a BS in Biology from the College of Charleston.

His research integrates plant physiology, microbial ecology, and whole-ecosystem science to study root dynamics, particularly in temperate and tropical forests. Key contributions include co-founding the Fine-Root Ecology Database (FRED), a global repository of root trait data, and publishing influential papers in Nature, New Phytologist, and Science Advances. He was recognized as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher in 2023 and 2024.

McCormack’s projects include global analyses of fine-root traits in gymnosperms, climate change impacts on forest phenology, and root-mycorrhizal symbiosis effects on nutrient cycling. His work bridges fundamental and applied research, addressing challenges in forest management and ecological forecasting.