Susan Galatowitsch

Susan Galatowitsch is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (ESPM) at the University of Minnesota, with her office in Skok Hall. She holds a Ph.D. from Iowa State University and maintains an active research program focused on advancing ecological restoration practices, particularly in Midwestern ecosystems.

Education:

• Ph.D., Iowa State University

Professor Galatowitsch's research addresses critical limitations in ecological restoration including ecological resilience assessment, organizational capacity for restoration projects, native seed availability constraints, and invasive species management. Her work develops practical tools for climate-sensitive species management in protected areas, resilience assessment protocols, native seed harvest guidelines, and invasive species response frameworks. She specializes in wetland, river, lakeshore, and prairie restoration with strong emphasis on climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation.

Recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on translating ecological theory into practical restoration applications, with recurring themes in seed harvesting sustainability (highlighted by her Editor's Choice Award-winning paper), Phragmites invasion dynamics, climate adaptation planning for rare species, and cost-effective landscape-scale restoration. Her work bridges field ecology with decision-support tools for land managers.

Scientific Awards:

• Editor’s Choice Award (Botany, 2017)

Professor Galatowitsch leads the Galatowitsch Group which conducts research on ecological restoration challenges. While specific grant details aren't provided in the source text, her active publication record and research program indicate ongoing funded projects. She mentors students through her teaching of ESPM 5071 (Ecological Restoration) and ESPM 3575/5575 (Wetlands), contributing to the next generation of restoration ecologists.

The Galatowitsch Group maintains active field and modeling research programs focused on improving restoration outcomes in Midwestern ecosystems, with methodologies having global applicability for ecological restoration practitioners.