Jeannine Richards

Dr. Jeannine Richards is an Assistant Professor of Ecology and Environmental Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University’s The Water School, affiliated with the Department of Ecology & Environmental Studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Environment and Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an M.A. in Zoology from Miami University, and a B.A. in Conservation Biology and Environmental Policy from Boston University.

Her research focuses on plant community ecology, restoration ecology, and conservation biology with emphasis on restoring degraded ecosystems using healthy natural models. Key interests include epiphyte conservation, agroecological systems, and the intersection of human communities with ecological systems. Current projects include collaborating with Naples Botanical Garden to restore beach dune plant communities post-Hurricane Ian, and interdisciplinary work involving Latin American Studies and Atmospheric Sciences to address environmental challenges.

Her scholarly output spans topics such as tropical tree resilience to lightning, leaf trait plasticity in epiphytes, and conservation strategies in shade-grown coffee farms. Teaching responsibilities include courses like General Ecology (PCB3043C) and Ecosystem Monitoring & Research Methods (PCB3460C).

• Recipient of the National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology
• Recipient of the Garden Club of America Award in Tropical Botany

Collaborations extend beyond academia to include nonprofit organizations and local environmental initiatives, emphasizing applied solutions for sustainable ecosystems and community engagement.