Lily Lewis

Lily earned her Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program, and is currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Florida. After working as a field biologist and botanist for three years in Alaska, Lily joined the Omora Ethnobotanical Park and Biocultural Conservation Program in sub–Antarctic Chile to help implement Eco-Tourism with a Hand Lens alongside local and international conservationists. Lily has co-authored two books and one brochure that describe the Chilean Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve’s unique and spectacularly rich bryophyte (Mosses, Liverworts, and Hornworts) and lichen flora. These plants are often overlooked in floristic and ecological studies, despite their high abundance relative to other plants in regions such as Southernmost Chile and Northern Alaska. Working in pristine high latitude regions it became clear that the perception of these regions as depauperate is unfounded when measures of biodiversity recognize bryophyte and lichen species. Lily’s Ph.D. and postdoctoral research incorporates her field-education programing at Omora and genetic studies to understand patterns of diversity and dispersal among mosses . Lily is interested in developing conservation and education programs to promote sustainable land-use planning, environmental stewardship, and enhance community appreciation of our natural resources.