Laura Jackson

Laura Jackson is a Professor of Biology and Director of the Tallgrass Prairie Center at the University of Northern Iowa. Her expertise spans Plant Ecology, Tallgrass Prairie Restoration, and Biological Diversity in Agricultural Landscapes. She earned a BSc from Grinnell College and a PhD in Plant Ecology from Cornell University. Her research focuses on restoring biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems, seed dynamics in prairie restoration, and integrating ecological principles into land management.

Key projects include evaluating nutrient reduction practices in Iowa and linking them to biomass energy. She has advised multiple students, including Ai Wen and C.A. Pellish, and contributed to publications on pollinator habitats and agroecology. Laura has served on advisory boards such as the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Iowa State Preserves Board. Her work emphasizes ecological restoration, sustainable agriculture, and policy implications of land-use practices.

Publications highlight themes like prairie restoration techniques, pollinator habitat design, and ecological consequences of agricultural development. Collaborations include the Monarch Joint Venture and interdisciplinary teams addressing habitat connectivity. The Tallgrass Prairie Center, under her leadership, promotes roadside restoration and native seed production. Her research bridges ecological theory with practical applications in farming and conservation.