Recent Episcopal Grad Participates in Global Forest Research

The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness. – John Muir

​Episcopal graduate Emory Ellis is making a difference in the world through her research of forests across the globe.  After graduating in 2016, Emory began studying at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. This summer she is spending her time in the Harvard Forest through Harvard University as a part of the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates.  Emory, who is the daughter of Episcopal graduate Randi Simoneaux Ellis ʼ90,  says the experience truly is an honor:

“I will be leading an independent study on how Silica (Si), the 7th most abundant element and the 2nd most abundant element in soils, changes in vegetation under stressed conditions. Si is one of the major nutrients needed by vegetation. It is used for cell structural support, fungal and antibacterial protection, and protection from toxic metals. Not only is Si helpful for vegetation, but vegetation is helpful at keeping high concentrations of Si out of rivers and streams. High Si levels can lead to the overuse of nitrogen by plants and eutrophication. Through working with a professor and utilizing her team of undergraduate students, I hope to understand how trees that have undergone major stress (which is important as the climate shifts and causes more stress to forest systems) influence Si uptake.”

​Emory is not new to forest research.  During the spring semester she studied the relationship between forest density, wind speed and precipitation across South America.  She says her findings revealed that there is a strong spatial statistical significance between forest density and precipitation through wind speed. This month, she’ll present her research at the “Intact Forests in the 21st Century” conference at the University of Oxford in England.

​Emory has accomplished so much since graduating from Episcopal just two years ago.  This certainly does not come as a surprise as here at Episcopal she received Awards of Merit in English and Environmental Science and was named to the National Honor Society and the Division Head List.  We can’t wait to see what you do next!