Lori Eckhardt

2025 Sigma Xi Fellow

For her pioneering research on the complex interactions among fungi, insects, and pine hosts that affect forest health, and for her leadership in fostering collaboration, communication, and outreach between scientists, policymakers, and the public to promote sustainable forest management and scientific engagement.

Statement

“Being chosen as one of the 2025 Sigma Xi Fellows is a deeply meaningful honor. It reflects not only the years of dedication to research, teaching, and service, but also the incredible students, colleagues, and collaborators who have shared in this journey. Sigma Xi has played a pivotal role in my professional development—from my time as a graduate student to now—and continue to shape the careers of the students I mentor. I am humbled and proud to represent Sigma Xi and Auburn University in this capacity.”

Biography

Dr. Lori Eckhardt is a Professor of Forest Health and Entomology in Auburn University’s College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, where she also serves as the Founding Director of the Forest Health Cooperative. Since joining Auburn in 2005, Dr. Eckhardt has built a nationally and internationally recognized career centered on forest health, entomology, and multidisciplinary research.

With a diverse academic and professional background—including molecular biology, virology, plant pathology, entomology, nursing, fashion, and military service—Dr. Eckhardt brings a uniquely integrative perspective to both her teaching and research. Her work bridges multiple disciplines, enabling collaborations with fields such as chemical engineering, wildlife biology, plant pathology, and forestry. She has established impactful global partnerships, notably with institutions in South Africa, Nicaragua and Canada, providing her students with valuable international research experiences and promoting scientific and cultural exchange.

Dr. Eckhardt teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses, including Forest Health & Protection, Introduction to Renewable Natural Resources, and research-focused seminars. She is known for her commitment to student success, having mentored over 130 students across high school, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, many of whom have received prestigious awards. Her seminar courses emphasize professional development and communication, fostering academic excellence and confidence in scientific presentation.
Her research program has produced over 130 publications, including 63 peer-reviewed journal articles and five book chapters, with more than 15 additional papers currently in review. She has delivered over 600 scientific presentations—over 100 of them by invitation—and secured over $10 million in external research funding. Her Forest Health Cooperative continues to receive sustained support from government, industry, and private stakeholders, reinforcing the practical impact of her work.

Beyond her formal academic roles, Dr. Eckhardt serves as Director of the Sudden Oak Death State Lab for Alabama and Mississippi and is involved with the FBI's Animal/Plant Criminal Epidemiological Workshop. She also serves as Academic Editor for the International Journal of Forest Research, contributes to multiple peer-review panels and grant review boards, and frequently offers expert guidance to landowners, public agencies, and media outlets.
Among her many accolades, Dr. Eckhardt has been named an Auburn University Alumni Professor, recognizing her sustained excellence in research, teaching, and service. She is also the recipient of the Harry Murphy Award for Excellence in Faculty Research, the Southeastern Society of American Foresters Excellence in Research and Development Award, and multiple Outstanding Research and Extension Paper Awards, honoring the quality and impact of her scientific contributions.

Dr. Eckhardt currently chairs the Auburn University Senate and serves as President of the Alabama Council of University Faculty Presidents, reflecting her leadership and dedication to shared governance and faculty advocacy. Her tireless service on university, college, and national committees underscores her commitment to institutional excellence and professional responsibility.

With a career defined by innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, impactful mentorship and service, Dr. Eckhardt continues to advance the field of forest health and inspire the next generation of environmental scientists and leaders as well as a powerful ambassador for Auburn University’s land-grant mission.