Current research in the Shebitz Lab at Kean University:

1. Monitoring the spread and affects of invasive plants in Union County Parks
   
2. Assessing the effectiveness of various restoration methods for controlling garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) along the Elizabeth River
   
3. Calculating carbon sequestration in mitigated and natural wetlands
   
4. Determining the affect of pollutants on native and invasive plant germination and growth
   
5. Evaluating species richness and environmental characteristics in an urban watershed using a BioBlitz approach

Ethnobotany

1. Evaluating the effects of traditional burning practices on beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax)
   
2. Assessing the nutritional value of the Pacific Northwest Native American root crops
   
3. Integrating traditional ecological knowledge into the restoration of ethnobotanically significant plants

ABOUT ME

Daniela Shebitz, Ph.D.
Chair, Sustainability Science Curriculum Development, Kean University
Co-Chair, Institute of Urban Ecosystem Studies, Kean University
Co-Chair, Sustainability Task Force, Kean University
Department of Biological Sciences: Biology Curriculum Chair, Social Committee Chair, Faculty Advisor for Beta
Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and Faculty Advisor for Biology Club.

CURRENT POSITIONS:

Assistant Professor, Kean University. Department of Biological Sciences
Courses: Ecology; Applied Ecology; Genes, Organisms, and Populations; Medicinal Botany; Urban Ecology; Senior Seminar
Chair, Sustainability Science Curriculum Development, Kean University
Co-Chair, Institute of Urban Ecosystem Studies, Kean University
Co-Chair, Sustainability Task Force, Kean University
Department of Biological Sciences: Biology Curriculum Chair, Social Committee Chair, Faculty Advisor for Beta
Beta Beta Biological Honor Society and Faculty Advisor for Biology Club.

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Ecosystem Science September, 2002 – June, 2006
University of Washington, College of Forest Resources. Seattle, WA
Dissertation: Incorporating indigenous land management into the restoration of
anthropogenically-maintained beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax) habitat on the Olympic
Peninsula of Washington State.

M.S. Environmental and Forest Biology August, 1999 – November, 2001
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Syracuse, NY
Thesis: Trends in Northeastern sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata) populations: an ecological
and ethnobotanical analysis

B.S. Environmental and Forest Biology August, 1994 – December, 1997
State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Syracuse, NY
Field Studies

Fort Lewis College and Adams College, Colorado July, 1998 – August, 1998
Ethnobotanical methods and field work with White Mountain Apache, Arizona

School for Field Studies, Costa Rica June, 1997 – July, 1997
Alternative Strategies for Tropical Ecosystem Management

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Urban Ecology: Effects of urbanization on biodiversity, invasive species, nutrient cycling.
  
• Plant Ecology: Fire-adaptations, interactions, population trends, ecological requirements.
  
• Restoration Ecology: Restoring ecological functions in disturbed systems.
  
• Ethnobotany: Integrating indigenous knowledge into ecological studies.
  
• Historical Ecology: Fire ecology, natural and cultural history.

Download Dr. Shebitz CV