Dr. Sarah Nilson

Associate Professor

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Biography

Sarah Nilson is an associate professor of Biology at Penn State Beaver, where she teaches introductory and upper-level biology courses, including ethnobotany and plant science. Known for her creative and inclusive teaching approach, Dr. Nilson supports a diverse range of learning styles through various teaching methods that blend science with art to explore the natural world. In recognition of her teaching excellence, she received the prestigious George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2024, which is the highest teaching award at the university. Dr. Nilson’s classes equip students for various career paths, including Forestry, Conservation biology, Biological research, Environmental science, Agriculture, Biomedical fields, and Psychology. Her research focuses on conservation ethnobotany, specifically investigating Appalachian native plants such as ramps, ginseng, goldenseal, and fern leaf bleeding heart. The results of her research contribute to both public and academic discourse on sustainable food systems, plant conservation, and agroforestry.

Research Interests