Loretta Johnson
Assistant
professor of biology
Eastern Kansas is home to the largest expanse of tallgrass prairie in the world, but over the last few decades forest cover has doubled in Kansas. Loretta Johnson, assistant professor of biology at Kansas State University, is researching what effects increased forest cover have on the sustainability of grasslands. Her goal is to evaluate the consequences of the land change to insure the preservation of natural resources.
Johnson received her doctorate in plant ecology from the University of Connecticut and joined K-State in 1995. Since coming to K-State she has written numerous publications on different ecosystems including the Alaskan tundra, dryland ecosystems, and the tallgrass prairie.
Johnson is involved in research on the role of fire on annually burned tallgrass areas, and the influence of native grazers on prairie soil. Her other research interests include ecosystems ecology, and plant ecology. Grasslands are her habitat specialty.
Johnson can be reached for comment at 785-532-6921 or via e-mail at johnson@k-state.edu.