The Northwestern University faculty includes a diverse range of experts in various fields, including environmental science. One notable professor in this area is Dr. Elizabeth Horton, who has made significant contributions to the field of environmental science. Dr. Horton's research focuses on the ecological impacts of human activities on natural systems, with a particular emphasis on watershed management and conservation biology.
Background and Research Focus
Dr. Horton’s background in environmental science is rooted in her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she developed a strong foundation in ecological principles and conservation biology. She then pursued her graduate studies at the University of Michigan, earning a Ph.D. in environmental science with a focus on watershed ecology. Dr. Horton’s research has taken her to various locations around the world, including the Amazon rainforest and the Great Lakes region, where she has studied the hydrological cycles and ecosystem processes that shape these environments.
Teaching and Mentorship
As a professor at Northwestern University, Dr. Horton is committed to experiential learning and community engagement. She teaches courses in environmental science, ecology, and conservation biology, and has developed a range of field-based programs that allow students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems. Dr. Horton is also an active mentor, supervising undergraduate and graduate research projects and providing guidance on grant writing and research design.
| Course Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Environmental Science 301 | Introduction to the principles of environmental science, including ecosystem ecology and conservation biology |
| Ecology 401 | Advanced topics in ecological theory and research methods, with a focus on watershed management and conservation biology |
Dr. Horton's research has been recognized through various awards and honors, including the National Science Foundation's CAREER Award and the Environmental Protection Agency's STAR Fellowship. Her work has also been featured in prominent scientific journals, such as Nature and Science, and has informed environmental policy and conservation practice at the local, national, and international levels.
Research Contributions
Dr. Horton’s research has made significant contributions to our understanding of ecosystem processes and conservation biology. Her work on watershed management has highlighted the importance of hydrological connectivity and ecological resilience in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Dr. Horton has also developed innovative field-based methods for monitoring water quality and ecosystem health, which have been adopted by researchers and practitioners around the world.
Future Directions
Dr. Horton’s future research directions include exploring the impacts of climate change on watershed ecosystems and developing adaptation strategies for conservation biology. She is also interested in science-policy interfaces and environmental governance, and is working to develop more effective communication channels between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
- Climate change impacts on watershed ecosystems: Dr. Horton is investigating the effects of temperature and precipitation changes on hydrological cycles and ecosystem processes in watershed ecosystems
- Adaptation strategies for conservation biology: Dr. Horton is developing novel approaches to conservation planning and management that take into account the uncertainties and complexities of climate change
What is the focus of Dr. Horton’s research?
+Dr. Horton’s research focuses on the ecological impacts of human activities on natural systems, with a particular emphasis on watershed management and conservation biology.
What courses does Dr. Horton teach?
+Dr. Horton teaches courses in environmental science, ecology, and conservation biology, including Environmental Science 301 and Ecology 401.
