Menzmer, Austin J. PhD
Biography
Dr. Austin Menzmer (he/him) is an Assistant Professor of Biology at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the University of Georgia in 2024.
His research focuses on how ecological disturbances, including climate change and invasive species, shape herbaceous plant communities across Maine’s terrestrial and coastal ecosystems. Current projects investigate 1) emerald ash borer impacts on ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s campus ash forest and 2) the interacting impacts of European green crabs and sea level rise on Cobscook Bay salt marshes. He regularly mentors undergraduates in the research process through his Senior Research Capstone course each fall.
At ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, Dr. Menzmer is passionate about crafting courses in which students not only learn content but also develop transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, and curiosity. He most frequently teaches General Biology II, Anatomy and Physiology, and Medicinal Botany.
Dr. Menzmer serves on the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Sustainability Committee and is the faculty advisor to the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Biology Club. Externally, he is an advisor to the Maine Rockweed Coalition and is a member of both the Maine Tidal Marsh Restoration Network and the Strategic Plan Task Force for Maine’s Salt Marshes. He is also developing an educational video series on the coastal ecology of Maine (anticipated release in 2028).
Professional Work
Publications:
Radhamoni, H. V. N., M. E. Spicer, M. C. Duguid, et al. 2026. “Herbaceous Plants in Forest Ecosystems: One Hundred Fundamental and Applied Questions.” Journal of Vegetation Science 37, no. 4: e70168. 10.1111/jvs.70168
Menzmer, A. J. 2025. “No Worse for the Weather: The Long-Term Impact of Wind and Salvage Logging on Herbaceous Plants.” Tipularia 40: 11–16.