Suitable for this Best Researcher Award
Dr. Alicia Foxx is a leading voice in plant ecology, distinguished by a commitment to ecological restoration, trait-based science, and inclusive research practices. Their work bridges fundamental and applied plant science, leveraging metascience to improve restoration and agroecology. A Conservation Scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden and Assistant Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University, their research has transformed understanding of plant trait variation and plant-microbe dynamics. Dr. Alicia Foxx is also a founder of the Black Earth Restoration Collective, promoting equity and cultural respect in ecological science. Their visionary contributions have redefined seed sourcing, restoration success, and interdisciplinary science collaborations. With over a decade of impactful publications and involvement in high-value projects like NSF’s “New Roots for Restoration,” they are shaping the future of plant ecology and conservation
Education
Dr. Alicia Foxx earned a PhD in Plant Biology and Conservation from Northwestern University (2020), where their dissertation explored within-species trait variation’s role in species coexistence. They hold an MS in Plant Biology and Conservation (2014) from the same institution, focusing on intraspecific root traits in Elymus elymoides. Dr. [Last Name] also holds a BS in Biology from Elmhurst University (2012). Complementing their scientific training, they received a Graduate Certificate in Management for Scientists and Engineers from Kellogg School of Management. Their academic journey reflects a consistent focus on bridging ecological theory with applied conservation. Through research and education, Dr. Alicia Foxx has cultivated a strong foundation in trait ecology, biodiversity science, and interdisciplinary integration—making them a formidable candidate for this award.
Professional Experience
Dr. Alicia Foxx’s professional path integrates cutting-edge research and mentorship in plant ecology. Currently, they serve as a Conservation Scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden and Assistant Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University. Previously, they were a Research Scientist at the NSF-funded “New Roots for Restoration” initiative and held postdoctoral fellowships with the USDA-ARS and Oak Ridge Institute, focusing on metagenomics and plant-microbe interactions. They co-founded the Black Earth Restoration Collective, fostering inclusivity in ecological science. Dr. Alicia Foxx has organized national symposiums, served on review panels, and participated in multi-institutional projects totaling over $12M in funding. Their leadership spans from scientific computing initiatives to advocating for plant restoration policy. With roles that blend academic rigor and community advocacy, they embody the collaborative spirit essential to 21st-century ecological science.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Alicia Foxx has received notable honors for scientific excellence and community impact. They were keynote speaker at the Elmhurst College American Dream Fellowship and have contributed to major NSF-funded initiatives, including a $12.5 million interdisciplinary restoration ecology project. As co-creator of the Black Earth Restoration Collective, they earned recognition for advancing equity and cultural inclusion in ecological science. Their leadership in organizing the 2024 Chicago Symposium on Environmental Data Science illustrates commitment to broadening participation in ecological research. Dr. Alicia Foxx has engaged with federal policymakers, advocating for plant restoration funding and ecological science communication. Their influence extends to mentoring, journal reviewing, and authoring influential papers in journals like Restoration Ecology, Plant Ecology, and Scientific Reports. These recognitions collectively reflect a career that combines scholarly innovation with tangible ecological impact and community empowerment.
Dr. Alicia Foxx’s research expertise lies in the intersection of plant trait ecology, plant-microbe interactions, and restoration science. They use synthesis and metascience to evaluate trait variability and its implications for ecological coexistence, competitive outcomes, and restoration success. Their unique approach includes trait-based modeling, metagenomic analysis, and integration of field, lab, and computational data. A strong advocate for open and inclusive science, Dr. Alicia Foxx promotes community-engaged research methods and has written on accessibility and representation in science. Their work informs agroecological design and climate-resilient restoration practices. By leveraging tools from statistical ecology, network theory, and bioinformatics, they provide data-driven solutions for complex ecological challenges. Their contributions advance not only academic theory but practical restoration strategies, making them a leader in contemporary plant ecology.
Publications
A cautionary tale of batch corrections on confounded microbiome community profiles
Population and species neighbor identity impact trait–trait relationships and plant performance
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Authors: Alicia J. Foxx, Florian Fort, Andrea T. Kramer
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Journal: Population Ecology
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Year: 2025
Multigenerational invasive plant competition causes greater root than shoot trait shifts in a perennial grass
Shifting dynamics in restoration ecology: Concrete steps towards centering Black, Indigenous, and People of Color’s communities and perspectives
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Authors: Samantha Rosa, Sarah Hollis, Regina Mae Francia, Amelia Renner, Nia Johnson, Rebecca S. Barak, Holly P. Jones, Evelyn W. Williams, Alicia J. Foxx
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Journal: Ecological Solutions and Evidence
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Year: 2024
Why are some plant species missing from restorations? A diagnostic tool for temperate grassland ecosystems
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Authors: Marcello De Vitis, Kayri Havens, Rebecca S. Barak, Louise Egerton-Warburton, Adrienne R. Ernst, Matt Evans, Jeremie B. Fant, Alicia J. Foxx, Kyndall Hadley, Jim Jabcon, et al.
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Journal: Frontiers in Conservation Science
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Year: 2022