Michael Kost

Michael Kost serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at the School for Environment and Sustainability, University of Michigan, and concurrently holds the position of Associate Curator at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. His dual roles integrate academic instruction with hands-on ecological curation and restoration work.

His educational qualifications include:

• MS in Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• BS in Public and Environmental Administration, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Dr. Kost's research centers on advancing biodiversity conservation through practical applications in ecological restoration. His expertise spans conservation planning, fire ecology, oak regeneration systems, and rare species management, with emphasis on Michigan's native ecosystems. He develops field-applicable methodologies for habitat restoration and natural community preservation, particularly focusing on prairie fens, oak forests, and coastal zones.

His publication record from 2000-2015 reveals consistent thematic progression toward integrated conservation frameworks. Early work established foundational ecological classifications, while later research addressed climate vulnerability and restoration techniques. Key contributions include standardized natural community assessments, oak regeneration protocols, and climate adaptation strategies - all demonstrating applied ecological science for land management decisions.

Scientific awards: No awards mentioned in source material.

While specific student mentorship isn't detailed, his lecturer position implies classroom instruction and potential field-based student guidance. His prior role at Michigan Natural Features Inventory involved agency collaboration suggesting grant-funded project leadership, though current grant details aren't specified.

Dr. Kost actively contributes to the Michigan Natural Community Classification initiative and Matthaei-Nichols Open Data GIS Hub, creating digital infrastructure for ecological research and conservation planning across Michigan's landscapes.