Linda Hardison

Linda Hardison is an Assistant Professor (Senior Research) at Oregon State University's Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, affiliated with the College of Agricultural Sciences. She serves as Director of the Oregon Flora Project, a comprehensive initiative documenting Oregon's plant biodiversity. She holds a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Washington (1995). Her research focuses on floristics, plant diversity, and herbarium management, with notable contributions to understanding native and non-native plant species in Oregon. Hardison has received awards such as the Oregon Stewardship Award (2021) and the Andrews Scholar distinction (2007).

Her work integrates taxonomic research, conservation biology, and public engagement. Through the Oregon Flora Project, she collaborates with researchers, educators, and policymakers to create resources like the Flora of Oregon volumes and digital tools for plant identification. She leads a research group including Thea Cook, Katie Mitchell, and others, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to botanical documentation.

Hardison's publications span peer-reviewed journals, technical reports, and educational materials, reflecting her commitment to both academic rigor and practical applications in gardening and conservation. Her recent projects include plant surveys in Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and developing user-friendly guides for wildflower identification. She actively communicates scientific findings through newsletters, blogs, and public outreach initiatives.