Rate My Professor Matthew Collier

Dr. Collier is a botanist and ecotoxicologist specializing in plant ecology and genetics. His research focuses on the interactions between common dandelions (Taraxacum officinale) and anthropogenic metal contamination, including metal tolerance mechanisms, pollution-induced genetic variation, and the potential of tolerant dandelions for phytoremediation of metal-polluted soils. He also investigates the impacts of invasive plant species, such as Garlic Mustard, Multiflora Rose, and Amur Honeysuckle, on midwestern deciduous forests, as well as orchid seed morphometrics and mycorrhizal fungi conservation. Notable publications include "Differences in seed morphometrics of representative orchids native to North America and Hawaii using scanning electron microscopy" (South African Journal of Botany, 2023), "Uptake and distribution of copper, lead, and zinc in dandelions (Taraxacum officinale; Asteraceae) sampled from polluted and nonpolluted soils" (2017), "Conservation Potentials of Mycorrhizal Fungi Root Cultures of 23 North American Orchids from Herbarium Specimens" (2017), "Clonal variation in floral stage timing in the common dandelion Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae)" (American Journal of Botany, 2004), and "Minisatellite DNA mutation rate in dandelions increases with leaf-tissue concentrations of Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni" (2003). In recognition of his teaching excellence, Dr. Collier received the 2023 Alumni Association Award for Distinguished Teaching, the highest faculty honor at Wittenberg.