Biography
Sarah Nilson, Ph.D., is an associate professor of biology who teaches introductory and upper-level biology, ethnobotany, plant science, and studio art courses.
In the classroom, Dr. Nilson is known for her creative and inclusive approach that supports a diversity of learning styles and a broad array of teaching methods weaving science and art together to explore the natural world. In 2024, because of her teaching excellence, she earned the George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching, one of the highest teaching awards in the University.
Her students don’t just memorize terms from a textbook — they grow plants, sequence genes, model proteins, visit beehives, and make art to better understand the patterns in and behaviors of life. She also oversees the campus high tunnel – a living laboratory on campus - which grows herbs, vegetables, fruit, and flowers for the campus community. Each semester she collaborates with a group of students doing field work and genetics lab work for research projects on ramps, ginseng, and dicentra. Students also have the opportunity to do independent research with Dr. Nilson.
Dr. Nilson’s classes prepare students for a variety of career options including:
- Forestry
- Conservation biology
- Biological research
- Environmental science
- Agriculture
- Biomedical fields
- Psychology
Research Interests
Dr. Nilson leads conservation and ethnobotanical research on Appalachian native plants including ramps, ginseng, goldenseal, and fern leaf bleeding heart. Her research products contribute to public and academic discourse on sustainable food systems, plant conservation, and agroforestry.
Education
B.S. in Biology, University of Pittsburgh
B.A. in Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh
Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Pennsylvania State University