By Andi Anderson
Mary Gardiner, a professor in the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University, has been named the 2024-2025 Distinguished Professor of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.
This prestigious title is awarded to professors for their exceptional achievements in research, teaching, and outreach.
Gardiner has significantly impacted urban ecology, focusing on the benefits of urban greening for biodiversity, human well-being, and community development. Her work has received over $8.1 million in grant funding and is recognized internationally, with 4,000 citations and 74 peer-reviewed publications.
One of her standout initiatives, the Cleveland Pocket Prairie Project, explores how managing vacant urban lots can enhance pollinator biodiversity and ecosystem services. Her findings demonstrate that native wildflower habitats support environmental quality and benefit 37% of Ohio's bee species.
As a mentor, Gardiner has guided 16 graduate students and numerous undergraduates, many from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering their success in academia and research.
Her outreach efforts include programs like the Dandelion Detectives and the Master Gardener Volunteer initiative, which bring STEM education and insect conservation to wider audiences.
Gardiner’s ability to connect research with practical solutions has made her a trailblazer in urban ecology. Her work provides a roadmap for cities to transform degraded spaces into thriving ecosystems, benefiting communities and the environment.
Her dedication to science, education, and community engagement has earned her widespread recognition, with peers and students praising her innovative contributions. Gardiner’s work exemplifies the power of science to inspire change, ensuring a sustainable and biodiverse future.
Photo Credit: ohio-state-university
Categories: Ohio, Education