Lori Eckhardt, a professor of integrated forest pathology and entomology, was awarded an Alumni Professorship by the Auburn Alumni Association in September. Alumni Professorships recognize tenured faculty who demonstrate exceptional achievement in teaching, research and service. Honorees are selected based on their leadership and impact across at least two of the university’s core mission areas. The honorees were formally recognized this fall at the Endowed Faculty Recognition Ceremony, hosted by the Office of the Provost, alongside other distinguished faculty members.
With more than two decades of service in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, Eckhardt has earned international recognition as an expert in plant health, forest pathology and entomology.
Her research portfolio, supported by $9 million in extramural funding, spans critical areas such as host-pathogen, host-insect and pathogen-insect interactions, as well as fungal and insect biology, forest ecology and overall forest health. This breadth of expertise has made her a highly sought-after subject-matter expert in both academic and applied settings. Eckhardt has authored more than 130 publications, including five book chapters, 63 peer-reviewed journal articles and 65 research outputs, with 15 additional manuscripts currently under review or in revision.
Her work has been shared widely through more than 600 scientific presentations and invited talks delivered to audiences ranging from local communities to international conferences, and she is regularly featured in media outlets for her insights and expertise.
In addition to her research and outreach, Eckhardt is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists. She has chaired or co-chaired 19 graduate students, served on committees for 12 others and supervised 15 fellows and researchers. Her mentorship has extended to more than 125 graduate, undergraduate and high school students and interns — many of whom have gone on to earn more than 80 awards under her leadership.
In 2024, Eckhardt responded to more than 120 inquiries from homeowners and landowners seeking guidance on tree health and insect-related concerns, reflecting her strong commitment to community engagement. In recognition of her research, Eckhardt was awarded the 2025 Harry Murphy Award for Excellence in Faculty Research by the college.
In addition to her faculty role, Eckhardt is the founding director of Auburn’s Forest Health Cooperative and director of the Sudden Oak Death State Laboratories for Alabama and Mississippi. She also serves as academic editor for the “International Journal of Forest Research” and has held prominent service roles, including past chair of the Auburn University Senate, the southern region associate director and chapter president of Sigma Xi and president of the Alabama Council of University Faculty Presidents.
