Matt Simmons

Matt Simmons is an Associate Professor in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department at the University of Minnesota Crookston. His teaching includes courses like Ecology, Wetland/Riparian Ecology & Mgt, and Ecological Restoration, with a focus on pre- and post-internship seminars.

His research spans plant ecology, restoration of disturbed lands, and wetland restoration, emphasizing authentic science inquiry in education. Key projects involve microtopography in forest restoration, nutrient cycling in grasslands, and educational methodologies integrating fieldwork and GIS.

Scientific awards include the

• 2025 Award for Excellence in Academic Unit Service
• 2018 Access Achievement Award
• 2014 Outstanding Educator Award
• Tom Slick Senior Graduate Fellowship (2006)
• CAS Fellowships (2007, 2009)
• University of Minnesota Staff of the Month (2011)

His educational background includes a

• B.S. (1999) & M.S. (2001) from Brigham Young University
• Ph.D. (2007) in Rangeland Ecology and Management from Texas A&M University

and memberships in the Society for Ecological Restoration and Society for Range Management.