Kara Foley

Master of Science  – Crop Science

Thesis / Dissertation:  Ecology and Management of dioecious Hydrilla verticillata in a Virginia Piedmont Reservoir

Honors / Awards:
Outstanding Graduate Student – Weed Science Society of North Carolina
Graduate Student Scholarship Recipient – Northeast Aquatic Plant Management Society

Advisor / Co-Advisors:  Dr. Robert Richardson and Dr. Ramon Leon Gonzalez

Graduate Committee:
Dr. Kurt Getsinger and Dr. Jason Ferrell

Research Summary:
The research for my Master’s thesis was focused on the ecology and management of Hydrilla verticillata, an invasive aquatic weed. By learning more about how this plant interacts with its environment, we have been able to gain a better understanding of how to best control its growth and spread and ultimately reduce the negative impacts that it can have on aquatic ecosystems.

What I enjoyed most about my experience in Crop and Soil Sciences at NC State was:
I feel very grateful to have been able to participate in so many unique opportunities to study invasive aquatic plants in North Carolina (and beyond!) thanks to Dr. Richardson and the Aquatic Plant Management Program within the Crop and Soil Sciences department at NCSU.

While earning my degree, my greatest supporters were:
I am certain that I would not have been able to finish my degree without the help and support from my teammates in the Richardson lab and from my family and friends (especially mom and dad!).

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