Sarah Parsons

Sarah Parsons is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources at Western Carolina University (WCU), affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on urban ecosystems, exploring how land use and zoning policies impact insect biodiversity and biomass. She aims to inform city planning to preserve insect diversity in urban environments. Her interdisciplinary teaching emphasizes inspiring students about environmental science and fostering global citizenship.

Education:

• PhD in Entomology, North Carolina State University
• MS, Duke University
• BA, Emory University

Research Interests: Urban entomology, sustainable landscape design, pest mitigation in urban trees, and the intersection of human activity with ecological conservation. She advocates for evidence-based strategies to harmonize urban development with insect conservation.

Awards: None explicitly listed.

Teaching: Courses include ES 150 (Environmental Science Approaches) and ES 495 (Environmental Science Capstone). Her pedagogy combines fieldwork, interdisciplinary perspectives, and real-world applications.