Nalini Nadkarni

April 3rd
1:30 - 2:20 p.m.
College of Natural Resources Room 10

Dr. Nalini Nadkarni is a Professor of Biology at the University of Utah. She has been a pioneer in forest canopy studies, documenting the ecological roles of canopy-dwelling plants, animals, and soils in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem function, particularly how they intercept and retain nutrients within tropical and temperate rainforests. Her recent work documents the impacts of natural and human disturbances on forest canopy communities at different spatial scales, from single branches to landscapes. Nadkarni is also a passionate communicator about science to people in all walks of life, and had innovated science and conservation programs for non-traditional public audiences such as faith-based groups, urban youth, artists, and legislators. Since 2003, she has brought science education, conservation projects, and nature imagery to the incarcerated adults and youth around the country. Nadkarni’s work is supported by the National Science Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, and the National Geographic Society. She has written over 140 scientific articles and three scholarly books. Her awards include a Guggenheim Fellowship, the National Science Foundation Public Service Award, the AAAS Award for Public Engagement, the Archie Carr Medal for Conservation, and the William Julius Wilson Award for the Advancement of Social Justice.