Lena’s primary academic interests include forest ecology, old-growth forests, invasive species, and the ways that forest stands change over time. She studied geology as an undergraduate student at Smith College, and forest ecology and conservation as a master’s student in the Department of Environmental Conservation here at UMass Amherst. Lena has been focusing increasingly on developing and applying innovative teaching methods such as contemplative practices, civic engagement, and active student-centered team-based instruction that promote student-driven learning for undergraduates in environmental conservation, sustainability science, and integrated science education programs.
