Rebecca L. Brown

Rebecca L. Brown is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Eastern Washington University (EWU). She holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BS in Environmental Science from George Washington University. Her postdoctoral research was conducted at the Patrick Center for Environmental Research in Philadelphia. Dr. Brown specializes in plant ecology, restoration ecology, and invasive species management, with a focus on riparian zones, prairie ecosystems, and the Channeled Scablands.

Her research explores topics such as riparian restoration post-dam removal (e.g., Elwha River), prairie restoration on EWU’s campus, invasive annual grass management, and the role of beaver in wildfire mitigation. She leads the EWU Plant Ecology Lab, investigating plant community dynamics, hydrochory (seed dispersal by water), soil microbiome impacts, and the ecological effects of invasive species like reed canary grass.

Dr. Brown collaborates on projects such as managing invasive species in Mima Mound prairies at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge and assessing climate-driven changes in arid ecosystems. Her work emphasizes applied ecology and conservation strategies in semi-arid environments.