Faculty Profile
Deborah Hilbert
Assistant Professor
Department of Sustainable Resources Management
Education
- Ph.D. Environmental Horticulture, University of Florida, 2021
- B.Sc. Biology, Eckerd College, 2013
- B.A. Environmental Studies, Eckerd College, 2013
Research Interests
I am trained in sustainable urban landscaping with a focus on urban forestry and arboriculture. I study both the people and the woody plants in the socio-ecological system that is the urban forest. My interests include:
- Urban Tree Growth and Longevity
- Urban Tree Species Diversity
- Urban Canopy Cover Assessments
- Human Decision-Making Regarding Urban Trees
Prospective Students
Our group broadly conducts research on the resilience of urban forest ecosystems and the sustainable management of urban trees. The research is transdisciplinary in nature and often highly-applied. We frequently involve practitioners via a participatory research approach.
Potential topics of study include:
- Evaluating and optimizing the sustainable management of urban trees (e.g., pruning, water and soil managment, fertilization, etc.)
- Evaluating the effects of ice loading on tree limb failure
- Trialing underutilized trees to increase diversity in highly built-up landscapes
- Evaluating factors associated urban tree survival and health using long-term tree monitoring datasets
- Evaluating the effects of human decision-making, policy, and governance on the urban forest
Please send me an email for more information or to set up some time to chat.
Curriculum Vitae
You can find my complete CV here: