Margaret L. Ronsheim

Margaret Ronsheim is Professor of Biology at Vassar College specializing in invasive species ecology and forest management. Her current research examines the impacts of invasive vines like porcelainberry and Oriental bittersweet on forest ecosystems, investigating seed bank dynamics, competitive interactions, and management strategies. She leads studies on Emerald Ash Borer impacts and American chestnut restoration in Vassar Farm Ecological Preserve.

Education:

• PhD, Duke University
• BA, Earlham College

Her work integrates field experiments with greenhouse studies to understand mechanisms of invasion success and develop science-based management approaches. Research examines how flooding affects seed germination, persistence of invasive species in soil seed banks, and interspecific competition patterns. Current forest restoration projects test native species reintroduction strategies to counteract canopy gaps caused by ash tree loss.

She collaborates with conservation organizations on regional invasive species management plans while mentoring undergraduate researchers in ecological methods. Her teaching includes courses on plant diversity, evolution, and special topics in restoration ecology.

As Vassar's representative to regional conservation initiatives, she contributes expertise on climate-resilient forest management and invasive species monitoring protocols. She maintains research plots tracking long-term vegetation dynamics in response to management interventions.