Anna A Sher

Anna A. Sher is a full Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Denver. She serves as the Faculty Director of DU-MERISTEM: Mobilizing Equity to Raise Inclusivity in STEM, and co-PI on a $1 million National Science Foundation grant. Dr. Sher's research focuses on biodiversity conservation, invasive species ecology, and ecosystem restoration, particularly in riparian habitats invaded by non-native plants.

• Ph.D., Biology, University of New Mexico (1998)
• Postdoctoral work at Ben Gurion University’s Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology (Fulbright Fellow) and University of California, Davis

Her research spans invasive species biology, insect biocontrol, ethnobotany, climate change impacts, and rare species conservation. She has contributed to international restoration frameworks and co-authored the textbook Ecology Concepts and Applications (Molles and Sher 2018). Recent articles highlight her work on soil seed banks, Tamarix management, and human-nature interactions in restoration.

Dr. Sher also investigates light pollution effects on plant competition, extinction drivers, and socio-ecological systems. She mentors graduate and undergraduate students in conservation biology, invasive species ecology, and advanced research methods, while advocating for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights in STEM fields.