Ian Sabo
Research Interests: Rare Plant Conservation, Plant Community Ecology, Biogeography
Ian hails from the Allegheny Plateau of central West Virginia. He received his B.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina Asheville, where he conducted physiological, genetic, and phytochemical research on American ginseng. Prior to joining the Garden, Ian conducted botanical field work with the United States Geological Survey in western North Carolina and the National Park Service in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
As Field Biologist for the Garden, Ian helps to monitor in-situ populations of rare plants across the southeastern United States, and assists with numerous conservation projects. In addition to fieldwork, Ian is also the main coordinator and host for Science Café, the department’s monthly public science event.
In his free time, Ian enjoys hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, paddling our beautiful southeastern rivers, and spending time in his garden where he is on a continual quest to grow the perfect watermelon.