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Dr. Mike Schuster
Dr. Mike Schuster
PI, Assistant Professor
PI, Assistant Professor
Mike Schuster is a plant ecologist and an assistant professor in the biology program at Hamline University. His research focuses on the ecology and management of invasive plant species. Since 2016, Mike has led the Cover It Up! project at the University of Minnesota, wherein he and his students explore novel forest management strategies in collaboration with more than a dozen partner organizations throughout Minnesota and beyond. Mike’s teaching emphasizes critical thinking through a student-centered approach to learning that focuses on practical applications of course content. He leverages his connections throughout Minnesota to bring diverse experts into the classroom and share the challenges and triumphs that make their work both exciting and impactful.
A copy of Mike's current CV is available here
Dr. Mark Fuka
Dr. Mark Fuka
Post-Doc
Post-Doc
Mark Fuka is a postdoc currently examining the long-term efficacy of revegetation following the removal of the invasive shrub common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). His goal is to inform managers with strategies focused on reducing re-establishment of invasive shrubs while simultaneously promoting local species diversity.
Sam Fox-Johnson
Sam Fox-Johnson
Coordinator
Coordinator
Sam Fox-Johnson is a research technician with a background in forest ecology and invasive species management. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2024, earning a degree in Forestry and Natural Resource Management, and has contributed to multiple applied research projects focused on the management of common buckthorn. Sam’s work includes vegetation and forest resource surveys, experimental plot monitoring, and translating research findings into accessible outreach materials for land managers and the public. When not in the woods for work, he enjoys exploring Minnesota’s outdoors, photography, and spending time on trails and public lands.
Solange Atakora-Kpelou
Solange Atakora-Kpelou
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Solange is currently a junior at Hamline University majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology on the pre‑med track. She enjoys exploring how science, behavior, and community health intersect. She hopes to continue building experiences that support her long‑term goal of working in medicine.
Lindsey Meizo
Lindsey Meizo
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Lindsey is currently a senior at Hamline University studying Biology with an interest in ecology. In summer 2026, she will collaborate with Mike Schuster on the role deer play in buckthorn management and restoring native plant species cover. Lindsey wants to further her studies and career in animal and ecological studies
Remy Amel
Remy Amel
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Remy is currently a first year student at Hamline University studying Biology. This summer they are continuing Cece Chmelik's work investigating the effect of cutting height in the critical period cutting approach to buckthorn management.
Lindsey Howell
Lindsey Howell
Field Technician
Field Technician
Lindsey graduated from the university of Minnesota in 2024 with a BS in Forest and Natural Resource Management. She has experience working in urban forestry, utility forestry, and research
Jack Leipholtz
Jack Leipholtz
Field Technician
Field Technician
Jack Leipholtz is an Urban Forestry student at Hennepin Technical College, and will potentially be perusing a bachelors degree in Forestry and Natural Resource Management at the University of Minnesota after the summer research season ends. Outside of the lab he enjoys fixing and riding bikes, fly fishing, cooking, wildflower hunting and spending time with family.
Lab Alumni
Lab Alumni
Cece Chmelik
Cece Chmelik
Undergraduate Researcher
Undergraduate Researcher
Cece is currently a senior at Hamline University studying Biology and Environmental Studies. In summer 2025 she worked on an extension of the Critical Period Cutting experiments investigating the effect of cut height. Cece continues to have an interest in environmental science and the effects of climate change on local communities.
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