Laura Shappell Ph.D.
Wetland Ecologist
ljshappe@esf.edu
+1 (518) 402-8931
New York Natural Heritage Program
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4757
Personal Pronouns: She/Her
Laura Shappell, Ph.D. joined New York Natural Heritage Program in 2015 as their first wetland ecologist. Her research over the past 15 years has focused on biodiversity assessment, invasive plant dominance, and disturbance ecology, with systems ranging from pond cypress wetlands in South Carolina, to urban wetlands in New Jersey, and now wetlands across the state of New York.
Laura received her Doctorate in Ecology from Rutgers University, her Master of Science in Coastal Marine and Wetland Studies from Coastal Carolina University, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF).
Her work at NYNHP aims to increase understanding about the ecological health, functions, and values of wetlands in New York State and her ongoing research develops tools to help conserve these crucial ecosystems. Laura is currently developing a new functional assessment method for wetlands in the State and gathering a baseline understanding of pollinators that use wetlands.
More information about Laura's research and our Wetland Program is available on our wetlands page.