Sharon Strauss

Sharon Strauss is a Professor in the Department of Evolution and Ecology at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on how species evolve due to community interactions, particularly examining the ecological and evolutionary consequences of herbivory, pollination networks, and climate change impacts on plant fitness. She investigates mechanisms of speciation, plant defense strategies, and the role of abiotic and biotic factors in shaping plant communities.

Her work integrates field experiments, genomic analyses, and historical data to explore topics such as serpentine endemism, climate niche constraints, and adaptive responses to environmental shifts. Notably, she has contributed to understanding the genomic basis of adaptation in Streptanthus species and the role of soil microbial communities in plant coexistence.

Dr. Strauss has been recognized with awards including the Per Brinck Oikos Award 2013. Her research spans plant-microbe interactions, phenological shifts under climate change, and the evolutionary origins of ecological traits. She collaborates across disciplines to address global challenges in biodiversity conservation and ecological resilience.