Mary Gardiner named Distinguished Professor

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Mary Gardiner, a professor in the Department of Entomology at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has been named a 2024-2025 Distinguished Professor of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

The honorific title, awarded annually on a competitive basis to full professors, recognizes outstanding contributions and significant impact in teaching, research, outreach, and engagement.

"Mary Gardiner is an exceptional researcher, mentor, and leader whose work exemplifies the best of CFAES and Ohio State," said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean. "Gardiner's research has transformed urban ecology, focusing on urban greening's benefits for biodiversity, human well-being, and community revitalization while showcasing the impact of the college's purpose to sustain life."

With over $8.1 million in grant funding and 74 peer-reviewed publications, Gardiner's contributions have redefined how vacant, urban spaces can benefit both people and the environment. Her research is internationally recognized, with more than 4,000 citations and an H-index of 30 - highlighting that dozens of her studies are widely referenced by scientists globally.

Gardiner earned her PhD in 2008 and joined CFAES as an assistant professor in 2009. Among her groundbreaking initiatives is the Cleveland Pocket Prairie Project, which examines how managing vacant lots impacts pollinators, biodiversity, and ecosystem services in lower income neighborhoods. Her findings show that native wildflower habitats can enhance urban environmental quality, with 37% of Ohio's bee species foraging in these spaces.

"Mary has built an innovative, internationally recognized program that addresses critical ecological and social issues in legacy cities," said Jamie Strange, chair of the Department of Entomology. "Her ability to engage with communities and deliver evidence-based solutions has made her a trailblazer in urban ecology."

Equally impactful is Gardiner's mentorship. She has guided 16 graduate students and mentored dozens of undergraduates, many from underrepresented backgrounds, with her students achieving notable success in academia, industry, and research.

"Dr. Gardiner is a superb mentor and role model," said Carol Anelli, Department of Entomology professor emerita. "Her students deeply admire and respect her, and her dedication to fostering excellence is evident in their achievements."

Her outreach work has also drawn praise.

Michael J. Raupp, professor emeritus at the University of Maryland, highlighted Gardiner's ability to connect ecological research to real-world urban challenges.

"Mary's ability to translate fundamental ecological concepts into actionable solutions is remarkable," he said. "Her work in urban restoration serves as a model for cities worldwide, providing a roadmap to transform degraded spaces into biodiverse ecosystems."

Gardiner's work extends beyond research and teaching to include impactful community engagement efforts through Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of CFAES. Key initiatives, such as the Master Gardener Volunteer program and the Dandelion Detectives, have successfully brought STEM education and insect conservation to wider audiences. During the pandemic, she distributed over 500 activity kits to help families explore insect biodiversity in their own backyards.

"Mary Gardiner's work exemplifies the power of science to transform lives and communities," Kress said. "Gardiner has made significant contributions to OSU Extension, and she serves as co-director of Ohio State's Environmental Sciences Graduate Program, where she has led curriculum revisions and fostered international collaborations enhancing the program's reputation as a hub for interdisciplinary research."

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