Mark Fuka

Plant Community Ecologist

he/they

[email protected]

Education

Ph.D. 2025 Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.S. 2018 Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago

Areas of Interest

Invasive plant species; forest management; ecosystem restoration.

Biography

The spread of invasive woody shrubs into forest understories poses serious risks for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. As such, it is vital to develop practical, effective management strategies focused on promoting local species diversity and reducing re-establishment of invasive shrubs. My current research involves examining optimal seed mixes that can outcompete and suppress common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) following invasive shrub removal.

Select Publications

Fuka, M. E., Connolly, B., Orrock, J. L. (2025). Promoting acorn survival using capsaicin seed coatings is strengthened by the removal of invasive shrubs. e70042. Restoration Ecology.
Fuka, M. E., Orrock, J. L. (2024). Invasive shrubs amplify seasonal granivory, revealing optimal windows for seed survival following invasive shrub removal. Ecosphere. 15(12):e70134.
Fuka, M. E., Connolly, B., Orrock, J. L. (2024). Invasive shrub removal may be more effective at reducing granivory than coating tree seeds with capsaicin. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 55:1-7. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2024-0160

Areas of Interest

Biography

Select Publications

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