By Scout Nelson
Dillon Fogarty has recently taken on the role of a woody invasion ecologist and research assistant professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, with a focus on research and extension. His work is crucial in developing management strategies against woody plant encroachment across the Great Plains, a key issue in grassland conservation.
Fogarty, originally from Belle Plaine, Minnesota, cultivated his passion for ecology and conservation from a young age, inspired by the natural landscapes of the Minnesota River valley. His academic journey led him through Bemidji State University for his Bachelor of Science in biology, followed by a Master of Science in natural resource ecology and management at Oklahoma State University.
He completed his doctorate in agronomy and horticulture, specializing in applied ecology, at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
His career path was shaped by various experiences, including studying grassland birds in Oklahoma and working on natural resource projects in South Dakota and Minnesota. His decision to pursue a doctorate at Nebraska was influenced by the university's project on eastern redcedar invasion in grasslands, aligning with his interest in working-lands conservation.
Residing in Nebraska since 2017 with his wife and daughter, Fogarty enjoys the family-friendly environment of Lincoln, especially outings to the Lincoln Zoo. Outside of work, he is an enthusiastic outdoorsman, engaging in activities like camping, gardening, and participating in sporting events, including completing Lincoln’s Good Life Halfsy half-marathon.
Fogarty's role combines research to inform better grassland conservation strategies and extension work to disseminate this knowledge to stakeholders, playing a crucial part in the sustainable management of the region's natural resources.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-livingimages
Categories: Nebraska, General