School of the Environment

Graduate student Sarika SharmaReceiving a scholarship not only helped with the financial aspects of her research project, it also validated the significance of her work, Sarika Sharma says.

Support for student projects drives change in monitoring ecosystem restoration efforts

Sarika Sharma is making strides in ecosystem restoration monitoring while pursuing her master’s degree in environmental science. 

Using drone imagery, Sharma is monitoring characteristics of tallgrass prairie environments to inform and evaluate restoration efforts. 

“Tallgrass areas provide habitat for so many of our native species. Since they’re a highly endangered ecosystem, they’re among the last remaining places where you’ll find some of these unique flora and fauna,” she said.