Faculty
Dr. Sara E. Scanga , Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Biology
Biography
I grew up in Pennsylvania. As an undergraduate, I majored in Biology at Drew University (New Jersey), intending to enter medical school upon graduation. However, during my third year at Drew, a number of experiences conspired to wrest me away from a career as an M.D. These experiences included a semester at Hampshire College (Massachusetts), where I participated in an excellent environmental science research seminar, followed by a semester learning about tropical and marine ecology in Belize.Upon returning to the US, I assisted with ecology research at a field station in northern Minnesota. When I returned to Drew for my fourth year as an undergraduate, I had a completely different outlook on life (as well as an amazing suntan). I decided to pursue a career in ecological research.
After graduating with my B.A. in Biology, I took a position assisting with lake research at a field station in northern Wisconsin. After a few years of this job, I made a brief foray into molecular biology research, and then entered graduate school at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) in Syracuse.
My dissertation research focused on the management and conservation of the globally rare wetland plant Trollius laxus (spreading globeflower). Several wonderful teaching experiences at SUNY-ESF, including two years as a National Science Foundation GK-12 Graduate Teaching Fellow, sparked my interest in teaching. I realized during my time in graduate school that not only do I love ecological research, I also love teaching.
Research
I study the ecology of plant populations and communities in both upland and wetland ecosystems. I invite motivated students to conduct research under my direction within the following—or any other—areas of plant ecology. Research activities generally include field work, which usually occurs in the summer, and data analysis and population modeling, which occur year-round.
For more information about my lab and research opportunities please visit: http://sarascanga.weebly.com/.