Scott J. Meiners

Scott J. Meiners is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University. His research focuses on plant community dynamics, biological invasions, and ecosystem succession, with a particular emphasis on allelopathy and plant-animal interactions.

• Education: MS in Botany, BS in Botany from Miami University, PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Rutgers University

Dr. Meiners leads the Buell-Small Succession Study, a 53-year-long project documenting post-agricultural succession. His work explores functional approaches to community dynamics and the role of chemical interactions in regulating plant populations. Current projects address scale-dependent ecosystem stability and trait-based assembly in native vs. introduced species.

Recent publications highlight his interdisciplinary approach, spanning plant-soil feedback, theoretical population models, and aquatic ecosystem restoration. His articles often integrate long-term data with specific ecological questions.

• Scientific Awards: ACCA Recipient, 2022-23

He has secured funding from USDA, NSF, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and the American Philosophical Society. Dr. Meiners teaches courses like BIO 4750 and BIO 4810, focusing on advanced biological concepts.