Elizabeth Elle

Elizabeth Elle is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU). Her research focuses on pollinator diversity, plant-pollinator networks, and the impacts of habitat fragmentation, agricultural practices, and climate change on ecological systems. She holds a PhD from Rutgers University and has led studies on biodiversity conservation, particularly in endangered Garry Oak ecosystems. Her work integrates field experiments, network analysis, and landscape ecology to understand how ecological communities function and respond to environmental changes.

Elle's research emphasizes the importance of wild pollinators in crop pollination and the role of pollinator-dependent invasive plants in altering ecological interactions. She has investigated the effects of pesticides on pollinators, the influence of deer herbivory on plant-pollinator communities, and the benefits of habitat restoration. Her lab, the Pollination Ecology Lab at SFU, explores topics such as floral morphology evolution, mating systems, and the integration of mutualisms in community dynamics.

Elle has contributed to global datasets like CropPol, advancing understanding of crop pollination dynamics. Her studies highlight the need for conservation strategies that balance agricultural productivity and biodiversity, often involving collaboration with stakeholders to translate research into practical management practices. She has advised numerous students and postdocs, fostering the next generation of ecologists.