Written by: Paola Pinto January 25, 2024 Dr. Lawana Adcock with her students at the People, Plants and the Environment class Dr. Lawana Adcock, a devoted Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), part of the University of Alabama System, has led transformative projects in the realms of flora reestablishment, plant physiology, and environmental stewardship. Over the past seven years, she has been actively involved in initiatives to foster a deep understanding and appreciation for both plant science and the environment in her students. Dr. Lawana Adcock, Department of Biological Sciences The cornerstone of Dr. Adcock's work with the Department of Biological Sciences lies in two fundamental aspects: first, imparting a comprehensive understanding of basic plant physiology to students, and second, encouraging an appreciation for research related to plants and their role in our ecosystem. By grounding students in the fundamentals of plant physiology, she aspires to provide them with a unique perspective, whether engaged in hands-on gardening, research experiments, or contemplating future careers in agricultural research. Dr. Adcock adopts an innovative approach to education to complement her teaching, exemplified by the Municipal Project. This initiative empowers students to identify areas in Huntsville suitable for incorporating green spaces, fostering a deeper connection between the community and nature. She is also one of the leaders at the UAH Greenhouse, where they carry out intra and interdepartmental collaborative research, and HudsonAlpha with affiliations extending to the Huntsville Botanical Garden and Auburn’s Davis Arboretum. Her outreach extends to community involvement, specifically through Huntsville's Green Team, focusing on wetland and municipal plantings. Students actively participate in projects such as meadow plantings, plant identification, and consultation with organizations in Huntsville for environmental restoration. Dr. Lawana Adcock's students working on a field project As Dr. Adcock looks towards collaborative initiatives, her work with Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville, Alabama, marks a new chapter. This initiative allows her to establish white oaks and continue the propagation of the rare Quercus Boyntonii and root morphological studies, signifying her continued dedication to botanical research and conservation efforts. Additionally, the Davis Arboretum at Auburn University is vital in extending the influence of Dr. Adcock's projects. The impact of her teachings reaches interdisciplinary collaboration; for example, engineering students who had taken her class "People, Plants and the Environment" contribute soil monitoring solutions. Dr. Adcock envisions a collaborative approach across disciplines, emphasizing the importance of diverse skills in pursuing sustainable and green initiatives. "We've had two or three students who have already received a master's degree with a focus on plant-related topics," she says, highlighting her students' success and academic achievements. Dr. Lawana Adcock, Department of Biological Sciences Looking forward, Dr. Adcock envisions the creation of a new course, Plant Physiology Part Two, which will delve into genetics. Even as she approaches retirement, her enthusiasm for the subject ensures her continued contribution on a part-time basis. Dr. Adcock firmly believes in the unexplored potential within local agricultural groups to let the students learn more about and advocates for collaborative efforts that could benefit students and the wider agricultural research community. In the later stages of her teaching career, Dr. Adcock's legacy extends beyond the classroom. Her impact is felt through a flourishing ecosystem of plant-focused education, community engagement, and environmental stewardship at UAH. As she transitions into a part-time role, her enduring passion ensures that she remains an influential force in the ongoing green revolution, leaving a lasting imprint on the intersection of plant education, agricultural research, and sustainable practices.
