EXPERTISE
and Accomplishments in Botany
Invasive Species Book, Website, List, Articles
Coauthored Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, Field Guide, J.M. Swearingen & J.P. Fulton, 2022. Co-authored article on newly identified plants in VA and MD. Managed overall project, designed, and completed majority of data work for Mid Atlantic Invaders Tool website (www.invasive.org/midatlantic). Coordinated revamping and expansion of Maryland Invasive Species Council list. Compiled invasive species from over 30 Mid-Atlantic reputable sources (i.e. in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia & Washington, DC). In the process, advised list owners on corrections, deletions and additions.
Ecology and Native Plants
Advises organizations and property owners on how to convert degraded areas from invasive and other non-native plants to healthier ecosystems with native plants. Helps organizations and homeowners select appropriate native plant species by ecoregion and growing conditions (e.g., soil type, soil fertility, sun versus shade, moisture levels & drainage characteristics). Serves as expert witness on invasive plant legal cases. Testified in favor of various native and invasive bills subsequently passed by the Maryland legislature.
Gardening
Advises organization and property owners on how to grow specific plant species. Managed
foundation bed of local ecotype native plant species to generate seeds that can be provided to growers so that gardeners can help preserve local native plant populations.
Plant Surveys and Plant Identification
Conducts plant surveys and manages teams during bioblitzes. Identifies plant species based on specimens in the field, labs, or photos. Ran twice-monthly plant identification labs for professionals and members of the public for many years prior to Covid pandemic.
Presentations and Training
Gives presentations at professional conferences, including: Mid-Atlantic
Invasive Plant Council Invasive Plant Conference, Juniata College, PA (August 2019) and Innovations in
Invasive Species Management, Nashville, TN (December 2018). Teaches workshops and classes, and leads field trips through various organizations, including UME, Natural History Society of Maryland, Irvine Nature Center, Maryland Native Plant Society, and Wild Ones. Topics include native plants, invasive plants, taxonomy, and improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.
Invasive Plant Reporting and Removal
Removes or provides advice on removal of invasive plant species.
Reports invasive plant sightings through Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS).
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Botany and Wetland Certifications, Courses, Conferences and Continuing Education
• Rutgers University Wetland Delineation Certification, NJ, including courses on wetland plants & hydric soils
• State of Maryland workshop on performing assessments of invasive species for inclusion in state
regulations for Maryland Invasive Plants Prevention and Control Law (Maryland Agriculture Title 9.5)
• Pennsylvania Botany Symposia and Workshops, PA
• Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council (MAIPC) Invasive Plant Conferences, Juniata College, PA
• Innovations in Invasive Species Management Conference, Nashville, TN
• North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) Conference, Saratoga Springs, NY
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources Workshops on Invasives, MD
• Invasive Plant Management Training, National Capital Region Exotic Plant Management Team (EPMT)
and the DC-Cooperative Weed Management Area (DC-CWMA), Rock Creek Nature Center, DC
• Emerging Invasive Species Workshop, Patuxent National Wildlife Visitor Center, MD
• Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp’s Botany Course (7 classes), Natural History Society of Maryland (NHSM), MD
• Charles Davis’ Plant Identification Course (8 classes), NHSM, MD
• Maryland Native Plant Society Annual Conferences, Field Trips and Lectures, MD
• Larry Weaner’s “New Directions in the American Landscape”, PA
• “Turning a New Leaf” Conferences, MD and WV
• Lahr Native Plant Symposia, US National Arboretum, DC
• “Native Plants in the Landscape” Conferences and Workshops, Millersville University, PA
• Irvine Native Plant Seminars and Workshops, MD
• UME Master Gardener Native Plants Certification, MD
• UME Annual Training Conferences, MD, and International Master Gardener Conference, PA
• UME Master Gardener Training and Advanced Workshops, MD
Harvard Business School, Boston, MA – Masters of Business Administration in General Management
Harvard College, Cambridge, MA – Bachelor of Arts cum laude in Engineering–Computer Science