Meet Our Scientists

Join us for unique new opportunities to meet and learn from Holden Arboretums' renowned scientists.

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Cost Free - Registration Encouraged

Join us for unique new opportunities to meet and learn from Holden Arboretums’ renowned scientists. Nature-lovers of all ages can learn about our ground-breaking research and conservation efforts while discovering the labs and natural areas where this work is being done. Sign up for one, or them all!

This series is free and open to the public. Registration is highly encouraged.

David J. Burke, PhD Vice President for Science and Conservation

Dr. David Burke is the Vice President for Science and Conservation at Holden Forests & Gardens, and the principal investigator of Holden’s soil ecology lab.

Katie Stuble, PhD Research Chair

Dr. Katie Stuble is a community ecologist interested in the mechanisms responsible for maintaining patterns of biodiversity, and understanding how global change will likely alter communities.

Juliana S. Medeiros, PhD Plant Biologist

Dr. Juliana Medeiros is a plant biologist who focuses on plant anatomical and physiological acclimation and adaptations to the abiotic environment.

Connor Ryan, MS Rhododendron Collections Manager

Connor Ryan’s interests sit at the intersection of ornamental horticulture, conservation, and botany. At Holden, his team is engaged in three things: curating the Rhododendron collection, breeding landscape plants, and stewarding the David G. Leach Research Station.

Beck Swab, PhD Director of Conservation and Community Forestry

Experienced ecologist with a demonstrated history of working in research, conservation, and restoration. Dr. Beck Swab oversees the Conservation and Community Forestry teams at the Holden Arboretum.

Jessica Miller Mecaskey Community Forester

Jessica Miller Mecaskey’s work as a Community Forester focus on ecological sciences, land management, and education with a focus on trees and native plants.

Rachel Kappler, PhD Great Lakes Basin Forest Health Collaborative Coordinator

Dr. Rachel Kappler is the coordinator for partners of the Great Lakes Basin Forest Health Collaborative. She helps facilitate partners tree activities for pest-resistance breeding in current priority species, ash, American beech, and eastern hemlock.

Kim Lessman Seed Bank Manager

Kim is passionate about our natural world and has spent the last decade immersed in organic farming, addressing food insecurity in urban areas, and saving seeds in support of a regionally adapted seed supply.

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