Sofia Al-Shayeb

Faculty Advisor: John Orrock

Research Interests

My previous research focused on determining macroscale invasive plant distribution patterns, along with synthesis work on seedling traits. I hope to incorporate my past experience on invasive plants with disease and small mammal ecology throughout my time at UW.

A photo of people at picnic tables in the woods processing specimen and collecting data. — Measuring plant functional traits at Trelease Woods (Urbana, IL) to determine interspecific variation due to climate induced phenological shifts.

A photo of a person holding a bundle of twigs on a snow covered field. — Invasive shrub removal and prairie restoration at Forest Preserves of Cook County (Chicago, IL).

What made you choose this program at UW–Madison?

I was drawn to the highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, along with the strong ecological legacy UW–Madison holds.

Education

BS, Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, 2024