Joanna Tang

Research

Growing up in California -- from my hometown in the Bay Area, to my undergraduate studies at UC Davis, to my current graduate studies at UCSB -- I have developed a deep appreciation and love for my state’s uniquely rich biodiversity. During my previous jobs working at nonprofit and university habitat restoration organizations, I have enjoyed taking part in transforming degraded landscapes into native ecosystems. I have also enjoyed being a part of K-12 environmental outreach education programs. I love sharing my passion for restoration with burgeoning and experienced scientists of all ages!

My graduate research focuses on investigating methods of improving terrestrial ecological restoration. I am currently exploring strategies to decrease exotic species invasion in vernal pool wetlands. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in gaining research experience, if you would like to get involved restoration work, or if you just want to talk about awesome plants!

Current Projects

• Weeding & seeding vernal pools at Del Sol Vernal Pool Preserve
• Using environmental DNA (eDNA) to monitor plant & animal populations in vernal pools
• Greenhouse common garden of vernal pool plant populations & monitoring plant traits
• The Environment of it All  podcast
• Machine learning to identify historical habitat from historical aerial imagery