Matthew Palmer

BIOGRAPHY: Matt Palmer is a Senior Lecturer in the department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology. He received his PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Rutgers University, where he studied plant community ecology. He is currently involved in a range of research and education projects in New York City and the surrounding region. He collaborates with NYC Parks, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, NASA, the USDA Forest Service, and several units within Columbia University on research, teaching, and teacher training initiatives. Current research projects include evaluating the ecosystem functions of green infrastructure, studying the ecosystem consequences of reforestation in NYC, and providing scientific support for the management of both invasive and rare species throughout the region. Matt teaches classes in botany, forest ecology, urban ecology, herpetology, and research methods. Many of these classes involve significant field work.