The 2024 Spring Seminar Series will feature Katie Lawson, GIS Analyst with the Alabama Natural Heritage Program. Dr. Lawson will give a presentation on the Alabama Natural Heritage Program (ALNHP) at Auburn University on Wednesday, Feb 14, at 11 a.m. in Room 2217 of the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment Building located at 602 Duncan Drive, Auburn, AL.

Dr. Lawson is hosted by Dr. Jonathon Valente, Assistant Professor in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and Assistant Unit Leader of the Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Dr. Lawson will discuss the purpose and functions of the ALNHP, shedding light on current projects and partnerships. As an integral part of the NatureServe Natural Heritage Network, the ALNHP’s staff gather important data pertaining to the rare species and communities found in Alabama and other regions of the Southeast.

Dr. Katie Lawson has been with the Alabama Natural Heritage Program since February 2019. In her current role, she manages the program’s natural heritage inventory database, Biotics, provides GIS support, teaches a graduate-level GIS course in the Department of Biological Sciences, and conducts research in geospatial and aquatic sciences. Katie received her Ph.D. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Florida, her M.S. in Fisheries from Auburn University, and her B.S. in Zoology from Auburn. Her previous work experiences include researching Asian Carp control techniques with the USGS, researching non-native fish invasion success in Florida, and studying native fish assemblage change and the effects of agriculture on aquatic systems in Alabama.

Faculty, students, and the public are invited to attend this program. Advanced registration is not required.  Refreshments will be available after the seminar. Parking is available on the third and fourth floors in the South Quad Parking Deck across from the CFWE Building on Duncan Drive. To receive announcements about future seminars, download the 2024 Spring Seminar Calendar or request to join our email list at cfwecom@auburn.edu.