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David K. Foster, Ph.D.

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David K. Foster, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology & Environmental Science

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dfoster@messiah.edu

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717-796-1800 ext. 6860

Interest and areas of expertise

Ethnobotany of Forest County Potawatomi, Medicinal Botany, Forest Ecology especially of vernal herbs, Fire Ecology of Temperate Forests, Aquaponics, Earthworm Biology

Education
  • BS in Biology with Honors, Eastern University, 1990
  • MS in Conservation Biology, U.W. Madison, 1993
  • PhD in Botany, U.W. Madison, 1998
  • Certified Naturalist, Environmental Analyst, AuSable Institute, MI, 1990
Classes I teach
  • BIOL 171 Biological Sciences Cornerstone
  • BIOL 262 Ecology
  • ENVS 270 Environmental Field Techniques and Policy: Terrestrial
  • ENVS 271 Environmental Field Techniques and Policy: Water and Wetlands
  • BIOL 325 Medicinal Botany
  • BIOL 302 Rocky Mountain Ecosystems 
  • BIOL 336- Restoration Ecology
  • GEOL 201 Fundamentals of Geology
Profile

My life-long interests focus on understanding the world around us and human interfaces with that environment; particularly how we can improve those relationships. Explorations in this pursuit have led me all over the world, into a variety of research projects, and to a great appreciation for the role of indigenous peoples’ ecological knowledge. It has also led me to pursue work in aquaponics and use of plant biostimulants derived from processing biowaste with earthworms.

Research
  • Aquaponics and Plant Biostimulants- using patented, worm-based bioprocessors to develop better crop yields with Intag. Global.
  • Science, Language, and Relationships- Co-exploration and reinvigoration of ethnobotany traditions with Forest County Potawatomi, WI.
  • Forest Ecology- Fire effects on deciduous forests, forest restoration, and control of invasive plant species, PA