California Native Grassland Association GRASS Award Speaker Series

Join us for the CNGA’s Virtual Speaker Series showcasing the amazing work undertaken in California Grasslands by some of our Grassland Research Awards for Student Scholarship Winners.

Talks are on Tuesdays from 6 PM - 7 PM PST featuring a one 40-minute talk, or one or two 20-minute talks, with time for Q&A. 

Members: Free      Non-Members: $10       Non-Member Students: Free with Student ID

Title: Functional traits explain invasive species effects on multispecies coexistence in California grasslands

Speaker: Carmen Watkins, University of Oregon

November 19, 2024 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Abstract: Understanding how to maintain and preserve biodiversity is a fundamental goal in our 

Bio: I am a PhD student in Dr. Lauren Hallett's lab at the University of Oregon. I am broadly interested in plant species interactions and the effects of global change on community coexistence. My research explores how invasive species and drought change coexistence in California grasslands and uses above and belowground functional traits to understand changes to coexistence patterns. I am passionate about using science to understand the effects of climate change on ecosystems and applying that knowledge to shape our stewardship of the environment we live in.

Contact Justin Luong (jluong4@ucsc.edu) with any questions.

CNGA 2024 GRASS Award Speaker Series 2024 Schedule (Tuesdays, 6 - 7 pm)

• October 29 - Annie Taylor (The Nature Conservancy)
• November 12 -  Ava-Rose Beech (UCD)
• November 19 - Carmen Watkins (U of Oregon)
• December 10 - Brooke Wainwright (UCD)
• Winter Intermission
• January 21 - Mathew Wells (Santa Monica Mountains NPS)
• January 28 - Sabela Vasquez-Rey (UCD)

Help Support Student Research - Donate to the GRASS Program

CNGA's GRASS Program: 

• Focuses student research on important grassland-related questions. 
• Inspires students to become more involved in California Grassland Conservation and Restoration. 
• Trains future employees for your agency or company.
• Creates advocates for California Grasslands