Elizabeth Becker, B.S.

Close up Elizabeth Becker

Pronouns: she, her, hers
Doctoral Student
Department of Biology
SDSU / UC Davis Joint Doctoral Program in Ecology
Ecology

SDSU / UC Davis

Email

Primary Email: [email protected]

Building/Location

Physical Sciences - 105
5500 Campanile Dr
San Diego, CA, 92182
Mail Code: 4614

Bio

My research focuses on the successful restoration and conservation of grassland ecosystems, which are declining rapidly from global climate change and invasive species. Grasslands have a vibrant array of plant and animal life which support human health and well-being through the ecosystem services they provide, such as carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, and hunting and foraging opportunities.

I examine the mechanisms which drive diverse, climate resilient, and invasion resistant grasslands. My research provides important insights for grassland managers globally and I am working to protect and enhance these endangered ecosystems.

Education

B.S. in Environmental Science
SUNY-ESF

Areas of Specialization

Plant Community Ecology, Restoration Ecology, Grassland Ecology and Management

Fun Facts

In her free time, Liz likes to paint, take pottery classes, hike, read, and go on runs.

She is also a proud cat-mom to Felix Bobelix.

Mentors

Nicholas Barber, Ph.D.

Awards & Honors

ARCS Scholar, 2024-2025

Nachusa Grasslands 2023 Summer Science Fellow, The Nature Conservancy

Presentations

Ecological Society of America 2024 Annual Meeting

Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition (SAIN) Conference

Symposium on Undergraduate Research, SUNY-ESF

Publications

“Comparting artificial and natural disturbances in a post-restoration landscape: When are restoration goals met?” Elizabeth Becker, Elizabeth Bach, Bill Kleiman, Nicholas Barber. Restoration Ecology. In review.

“Cropping systems dynamics in the Vaca Forest Reserve: A way forward for sustainable agriculture.” Elizabeth Becker and David M. Butler, in preparation, for the Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems Journal.

“Flood Mitigation in Harris County, Texas: A Dynamic Computer Model to Determine the Mitigation Potential of Porous Pavement and Rain Gardens.” Elizabeth Becker, Robert Pedian, Remington Lynch, and Olivia Pinner. Prepared for Harris County Flood Control District. Fall 2018.

“Model Restoration Proposal for Secundaria Morelos in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.” Maisie Baronian, Elizabeth Becker, Ashley Chong, Miranda Ciardulli, Matthew Gallo, Maximilian Gordon, Drew Grandmont, Emma Gutierrez, Victoria Hernandez, Elizabeth-Ann Jamison, Serena Kucera, Tiffany Reese, Alexandra Sholk, Jessie Smith, and Maria Stutzman. Prepared for Secundaria Morelos in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. Fall 2016.