Rebecca Ostertag

Dr. Rebecca Ostertag is a Professor of Biology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, affiliated with the College of Natural and Health Sciences and the Biology Department. She holds a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Florida and a B.A. in Biology from Carleton College. Her research focuses on tropical forest dynamics, climate change impacts, nutrient cycling, and restoration ecology, particularly in Hawaiian and Latin American ecosystems. Current projects include designing hybrid ecosystems for forest restoration and analyzing long-term Hawaiian forest plots via the HIPPNET initiative. She leads the Ostertag Lab Group, which explores ecological studies and conservation strategies.

• Grants: Principal Investigator (PI) on NSF and Department of Defense grants, including "Developing Novel Ecosystems" (2011-2016) and "Significance of Foliar Nitrogen" (2006-2012).
• Teaching: Courses span ecology, biostatistics, and conservation biology, emphasizing field-based learning in Hawaiʻi's diverse landscapes.
• Career Resources: Developed environmental career guides and workshops for students through an NSF grant.

Her lab supports over 20 graduate students, many now working in conservation, national parks, and environmental organizations. She prioritizes applied research to address ecological challenges and mentorship to prepare future environmental professionals.