Lars Brudvig, Michigan State University associate professor of plant biology, is the recipient of a five-year, $653,460 National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Award.
"I'm absolutely thrilled about this award,” Brudvig said. “It's a tremendous honor, and I'm excited about the work we will do to help restore an endangered ecosystem here in Michigan, make inroads on the critical issue of predicting restoration outcomes and help to train the next generation of restoration ecologists."
The award will support Brudvig’s work on understanding how to restore damaged ecosystems, particularly grasslands in southwestern Michigan. It also will provide funds to train undergraduates, graduate students and postdocs, as well as expand the two courses that Brudvig teaches.
"Lars is exceptional in his ability to integrate a highly successful research program on restoration ecology with a passion for innovative and effective teaching and mentoring,” said Danny Schnell, chairperson of MSU’s Department of Plant Biology in the College of Natural Science. “He truly exemplifies the ideal of a teacher-scholar, and our department is delighted that NSF has recognized his achievements and potential with this prestigious award.”
Brudvig, who came to MSU in 2010, earned his Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology from Iowa State University in 2007, followed by postdoctoral work with The Corridor Project at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Florida.
The CAREER Award is one of NSF’s most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research.