Tracy Quirk

Dr. Tracy Quirk is an Associate Professor in the Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences at Louisiana State University's College of the Coast & Environment. She holds a PhD from the University of Delaware (2009), an MS from the University of Louisiana Lafayette (2005), and a BS from the University of Vermont (1998). Her research program examines wetland ecosystem responses to environmental change, with emphasis on carbon cycling, restoration ecology, and sea-level rise impacts.

Research interests span wetland plant ecology, sediment-nutrient interactions, carbon sequestration, and coastal resilience. Current investigations include:

• Blue carbon development in created marshes
• Phragmites australis dieback mechanisms
• Sediment-nutrient effects on wetland productivity
• Marsh vulnerability to drought and salinity stress
• Landscape-scale wetland sustainability

Her recent publications demonstrate strong focus on coastal wetland responses to climate stressors, with recurring themes of carbon flux measurement, restoration effectiveness, and vegetation dynamics under changing hydrological regimes. Research consistently integrates field observations with process-based modeling.

Dr. Quirk advises multiple graduate students investigating wetland plant physiology, soil biogeochemistry, and restoration outcomes. She teaches courses including Wetland Field Experience (OCS 4006), Plants in Coastal Environments (OCS 4308), and Applied Coastal Plant Ecology (OCS 7124). Her laboratory conducts field research across Gulf Coast ecosystems including the Mississippi River Delta and Florida Everglades.