Chicago Botanic Garden

Plant Science — OUR SCIENTISTS

Kristen E. Kordecki

Research Associate
Interim Manager, CLM Program

B.A. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1999
M.S. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 2004

CONTACT
(847) 835-6954


Research INterests

My primary interests include weed risk assessments and improving the ability to accurately determine if and when non-native woody plant species will become invasive. My research uses biogeography, mapping and predictive modeling as tools to better understand invasion ecology. I am particularly interested in how climate change and the impacts of anthropogenic processes affect the success of invasive species in forest ecosystems. Additionally, I have a strong interest in understanding community dynamics and ecosystem function of agricultural landscapes and public lands management law and policy.


Current Projects

Conservation and Land Management (CLM) Program
Currently, I am responsible for the Conservation and Land Management program where we recruit and train interns who will spend 5 or more months working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS) or US Forest Service (USFS).  The program has grown to include over 100 interns per year and most recently, has added an international component.

Invasive Species
Working with Dr. Mark Widrlechner at Iowa State University in Ames, I have been working to validate a model he and his colleagues created to determine if over 100 non-native woody plants used in the horticultural field in the Chicago region will become invasive.  Results are pending.  I also interface with the horticultural industry through the Midwest Invasive Plant Network to negotiate ecologically sound and economically viable approaches for managing invasive plant issues in the Midwest.