2026 CFWE Seminar Series — Carissa Wonka
March 4 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
SPEAKER: Dr. Carissa Wonka, University of Florida
TITLE: Process‑Based Restoration in Action: Linking Fire Behavior to Multitrophic Ecological Effects for Resilient Landscapes
ABSTRACT: This seminar presents research on process-based restoration that integrates high-resolution fire behavior data with plant functional traits and multitrophic responses. By linking trait-mediated plant persistence and cross-trophic effects to measured fire behavior, the work identifies restoration strategies centered on mechanisms that foster long-term resilience and self-sustaining ecosystems—rather than simply recreating ecosystems that resemble historical conditions.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY:Dr. Carissa Wonka is an Assistant Professor of Forest Management at the University of Florida’s West Florida Research and Education Center. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecosystem Science and a J.D. in Environmental Policy. Her research bridges biophysical ecology with social and legal frameworks to advance land management practices. Specifically, her work focuses on restoring ecosystem processes, such as natural disturbance regimes, to strengthen the resilience of terrestrial ecosystems to global change stressors and improve resistance to invasive species.
EVENT DETAILS: Faculty, students, and the public are invited to attend this program. Advanced registration is not required. Refreshments will be available. 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, request to join our email list at cfwecom@auburn.edu.
Contact the seminar host Heather Alexander at hda0010@auburn.edu if you would like to request a recorded version of the seminar.
