Virginia Matzek

Virginia Matzek is a Professor of Environmental Studies and Sciences at Santa Clara University, located in the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on quantifying ecosystem services derived from ecological restoration, particularly carbon sequestration, and integrating this into global restoration markets. She also investigates invasive species management and decision-making processes in land restoration. Matzek holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University (2006) and actively involves undergraduates in fieldwork, lab research, and co-authorship of publications through her lab. She teaches courses such as ENVS 21 (Introduction to Environmental Science), ENVS 110 (Statistics for Environmental Science), and ENVS 144 (Natural History of Baja California).

• Education: Ph.D., Stanford University, 2006
• Labs/Teams: Matzek Lab, focusing on linking restoration and ecosystem services
• Grants/Awards: None explicitly listed in provided texts

Her research interests emphasize carbon sequestration in riparian forests, invasive species ecology, and stakeholder-driven restoration strategies. Recent work explores public perception of restoration goals (e.g., ecosystem services vs. biodiversity) and the feasibility of carbon credits for funding restoration projects. The Matzek Lab collaborates with land managers to ensure practical conservation impacts, using interdisciplinary approaches that combine ecology with policy and behavioral science.

Publications highlight her contributions to restoration ecology, including meta-analyses of carbon sequestration and structured decision-making frameworks for restoration prioritization. Media engagements, such as interviews on carbon capture and de-extinction debates, underscore her role as a science communicator.