Brenda Molano-Flores

Brenda Molano-Flores serves as Principal Research Scientist in Plant Ecology at the Illinois Natural History Survey with academic appointments as Research Associate Professor in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Affiliate in Plant Biology, and Adjunct Assistant Professor in Entomology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's School of Integrative Biology.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. (1997) from the University of Iowa
• M.S. (1991) from the University of Puerto Rico

Dr. Molano-Flores' research program addresses critical challenges in plant reproductive ecology and conservation biology, with current emphasis on plant-insect interactions, rare species conservation, reproductive ecology, and seed ecology. Her work integrates field studies of threatened plant communities with policy applications, particularly regarding the Endangered Species Act and habitat restoration initiatives across North American landscapes.

Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate her focus on developing conservation metrics for endangered plants, analyzing genetic diversity in rare species, and assessing anthropogenic impacts like road salt on native flora. Her research bridges empirical ecology with actionable conservation strategies, emphasizing practical applications for land management and species recovery programs.

She leads the Molano-Flores Lab, which conducts nationwide field research documented through the Illinois News Bureau and project blog. The lab's work spans threatened plant monitoring, restoration ecology, and conservation policy evaluation, featuring collaborative projects across diverse ecosystems from Midwestern prairies to Southwestern plateaus.