Trinity University, as a small liberal arts institution has been an ideal place for me as a scientist who began in the humanities. As a native San Antonian with interests in Mexico, its location in South Texas is also fortuitous. My undergraduate degree is in International Relations with a specialization in Latin American affairs. I am fluent in Spanish, have worked extensively abroad, and stay closely attuned to global affairs. At Trinity, I have the latitude to apply all of these skills and interests to my research and curriculum development.
Education
- Ph.D., University of California at Davis
- M.S., University of California at Davis
- B.A., American University
- Study Abroad: Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Spain, Mexico
Selected Publications
- Lyons, K., *Maldonado-Leal, B.G., Owen, G. 2013. Community and ecosystem impacts of buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare) and nitrogen addition in the Sonoran Desert. Invasive Plant Science and Management 6(1): 65-78.
- Ruckman, E., Schwinning, S., Lyons, K. 2012. Effects of phenology at burn-time on fire recovery in an invasive grass. Restoration Ecology 20(6):756-763.
- Lyons, K.G., Shapiro, A.M., Schwartz, M.W. 2010. Distribution and ecotypic variation of the invasive annual barb goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis) on serpentine soil. Invasive Plant Science and Management 3(4): 376-389.
- Lyons, K.G., Schwartz, M.W. 2001. Rare species loss alters ecosystem function 'invasion resistance. Ecology Letters 4: 358-365.
- Schwartz, M.W., C. Brigham, J.D. Hoeksema, K.G. Lyons, M. Mills, P. VanMantgem. 2000. Is Biodiversity-for-ecosystem-function an appropriate conservation paradigm? Oecologia 122: 297-305.
Subjects Taught
- Integrative Biology
- Plant Biology
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Human Sex and Conflict
- Biodiversidad y Conservacion en Mexico (in Spanish)
- Study Abroad in Latin America and China
- Study Away - High Lonesome Ranch (CO) Field Course
Community Service & Involvement
- Director, McNair Scholars Program, Trinity University.
- Board President, Society for Ecological Restoration, Texas Chapter (TXSER) and Former Board President, Friends of the San Antonio Natural Areas.
- Associate Editor, Invasive Plants Sciences and Management, Weed Science of Society of America
Teaching and Expertise
I am a botanist and ecologist who studies the influence of diversity on ecosystem functioning and invasive species dynamics. My current research focus is on restoration of Texas grasslands and rangelands with particular emphasis on interactions between plants and fungi. I served as a Fulbright Scholar in Sonora, Mexico and my research has been supported with awards from NSF, USDA, NFWF, among others.
Honors & Awards
- Fulbright Scholar
- NSF International Post-doctoral Fellow