Holly Martinson

Holly Martinson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at McDaniel College. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland (2009) and B.S. in Biology from Duke University (2001). Her work focuses on plant-insect interactions, invasive species, and global environmental change impacts on biodiversity.

• Education
  • Ph.D., University of Maryland College Park (2009)
  • B.S. in Biology with minor in English, Duke University (2001)

Her research examines how human activities alter plant-insect relationships, including pollinator ecology at McDaniel's environmental property, spotted lanternfly management, and urbanization's effects on herbivore-plant dynamics. She collaborates with students on long-term ecological experiments and contributes to global initiatives like NutNet. Google Scholar articles reveal her expertise in grassland ecology and invasive pest behavior.

Key trends in her publications include grassland biodiversity responses to nutrient enrichment, invasive species-host plant interactions, and urbanization's ecological consequences.

• Scientific Awards
  • Mentor for multiple Research and Creativity Grants (2023, 2022)
  • Faculty Development Grant (2022)
  • Student-Faculty Collaborative Summer Research Grants (2022, 2021)
  • Charles A. Boehlke Fellowship (2019)

Martinson integrates ecological research with student mentorship through courses like BIO 3317: Ecology Lecture and Lab and BIO 2204: Botany. Her work spans experimental ecology, meta-analysis, and international collaborations addressing environmental change challenges.