Dr. Elsa Cleland

Professor

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Biography

Elsa Cleland is a Professor in the Department of Research at the University of California, San Diego. Her work focuses on evaluating how wild plants respond to global environmental changes, including climate change, competition, and invasive plant species. Current research projects in her lab involve understanding the role of phenology, or the timing of life-cycle events, in structuring communities of native and invasive plants. She also investigates genetic variation in the California poppy and how it influences species responses to drought. Cleland's application of eco-evolutionary theory aims to enhance ecological restoration efforts. Her contributions to the understanding of global change provide opportunities to address fundamental questions regarding how resources and climate influence the structure and functioning of natural ecosystems, thereby enhancing our understanding of pertinent environmental issues.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).