Lori Eckhardt
Lori Eckhardt, Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) Alumni Professor of integrated forest pathology and entomology, has been selected as a Fellow of Sigma Xi. This selection recognizes Eckhardt’s leading research on forest health, sustained record of scientific excellence and leadership in advancing collaboration, communication and outreach across science and natural resource communities.
Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi is an international science honor society whose mission is to encourage, support and recognize excellence in scientific research and innovation. The distinction of Fellow of Sigma Xi is a lifetime honor reserved for members who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in research, teaching, mentorship, leadership, service and science advocacy. New Sigma Xi Fellows are nominated by at least two current Sigma Xi members and are selected through a competitive review process, making the honor a reflection of both scholarly impact and professional integrity.
Eckhardt is being recognized for her influential research examining the complex interactions among fungi, insects and pine hosts. Her work has significantly advanced the understanding of forest health, resilience and sustainable management. Eckhardt’s research has helped inform landowners, public agencies and industry partners while addressing real-world challenges facing forest ecosystems in the southeastern United States and beyond.
“Being chosen as one of the Sigma Xi Fellows is a deeply meaningful honor,” Eckhardt said. “It reflects not only years of dedication to research, teaching and service, but also the incredible students, colleagues and collaborators who have shared this journey. I am humbled and proud to represent Sigma Xi and Auburn in this capacity.”
Eckhardt has been a member of the CFWE faculty since 2005 and has built an internationally recognized multidisciplinary research program. Her academic background spans molecular biology, virology, plant pathology and entomology, allowing her to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries and collaborate with experts in chemical engineering, wildlife biology, forestry and plant sciences. These collaborations have resulted in impactful global partnerships, including sustained research and educational engagement in South Africa, Nicaragua and Canada, offering Auburn students meaningful international research experiences.
In addition to her research accomplishments, Eckhardt is a dedicated educator and mentor. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in forest health and renewable natural resources and has mentored more than 125 students at the high school, undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. Many of her mentees have earned prestigious awards and fellowships, reflecting a testament to her commitment to student success, professional development and scientific communication.
Eckhardt’s scholarly output includes more than 130 publications, 600 scientific presentations and $10 million in extramural research funding. She is the founding director of Auburn’s Forest Health Cooperative, which continues to receive sustained support from government, industry and private stakeholders, emphasizing the applied relevance and long-term impact of her work.
Her service extends well beyond the classroom and laboratory. Eckhardt serves as director of the Sudden Oak Death State Laboratory for Alabama and Mississippi, participates in national and federal scientific advisory efforts and currently chairs the Auburn University Senate. She also serves as president of the Alabama Council of University Faculty Presidents, reflecting her commitment to shared governance, faculty advocacy and institutional leadership.
“Dr. Eckhardt’s influence extends far beyond her impressive research record,” said Janaki Alavalapati, the Emmett F. Thompson Dean of the CFWE. “She is a nationally respected leader, a dedicated mentor and an advocate for science that serves society. Her selection as a Sigma Xi Fellow reflects the profound and lasting impact she has made on her field, students and the scientific community.”
Eckhardt was formally recognized as part of the 2025 Sigma Xi Fellows cohort at the International Forum on Research Excellence in October 2025. Her selection highlights Auburn’s continued leadership in research, mentorship and public engagement and reinforces the CFWE’s role in advancing solutions to today’s most pressing natural resource challenges.
