Bernd Blossey

Bernd Blossey is a Professor of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University, directing the Ecology and Management of Invasive Plants Program and leading the New York Invasive Species Research Institute as PI. He specializes in biological control of invasive plants using insect herbivores, with a focus on species like purple loosestrife, garlic mustard, and Phragmites. His research also addresses deer management, invasive earthworm impacts, and the development of bioindicators to assess ecological stressors. He chairs the Cornell Deer Management Committee and oversees deer exclosure networks to study biodiversity loss mechanisms.

His work integrates conservation strategies with ecological restoration, emphasizing the interplay between multiple stressors (e.g., deer, invasive species, earthworms) on native ecosystems. Blossey collaborates on global projects, including earthworm diversity studies and predator management policy analysis. He teaches courses on advanced research methods (NTRES 8900) and undergraduate research (NTRES 4990).

Key contributions include advancing biological control efficacy metrics, documenting long-term success of purple loosestrife management, and advocating for federal leadership in deer population regulation. His lab’s findings inform land management practices to enhance conservation outcomes across diverse ecosystems.

Grants and Leadership: PI of the New York Invasive Species Research Institute, leading initiatives to combat invasive species through integrated strategies. His work bridges academia and applied conservation, influencing policy and management practices in North America and beyond.

Labs/Teams: Blossey Lab focuses on invasive plant ecology and management, with active projects on deer-plant interactions, earthworm impacts, and biocontrol agent development.