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Dr. Louise Weber

Professor, Biology and Environmental Science

Education

BS, Saint Mary’s College (Biology); MS, University of Notre Dame (Aquatic Biology); MS, University of Saint Francis (Psychology); Ph.D, Clemson University (Zoology)

Bio

My current major interest is to make nature study more relevant to a world in pain. At a time when human society needs healing, and the Earth is at a crisis point environmentally, I want to introduce the power of reciprocity (healing self by healing Earth). We live in a time of epidemics (obesity, depression, anxiety, addictions), but we have the power of healing within ourselves, if only we can access it. Time spent in nature can provide a healthier lifestyle. What is necessary for this to happen? Three things: love, an ever-evolving knowledge of nature, and a sense of reciprocity. I have written an ecology textbook with this as one of its themes (Understanding Nature: Ecology for a New Generation). I live it, I teach it, I help students experience it in Eco Club. I am on several boards and society committees that foster this effort. My academic background in ecology and psychology have provided the background that shapes this initiative.

Areas of Interest

  • Ecology
  • Conservation Biology
  • Wildlife management
  • Ornithology
  • Ecotherapy
  • Ecopsychology
  • Natural history

Selected Publications

  • L.B. Byrne, E.S.J. Rauschert, V.L. Rodgers, G. Bowser, A. Casper, B. Dewsbury, N. Morales, H. Vance-Chalcraft, L. Weber. (2025). Diversifying Ecology Education for Everyone Through More Inclusive, Interdisciplinary, and Accessible Teaching. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America.
  • Weber, L. (2023). Understanding Nature: Ecology for a New Generation.  CRC Press. This is an ecology textbook.
  • Weber, L. (2020). An Ecologist’s Guide to Nature Activity for Healing. Ecopsychology 12: 231-235. http://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2019.0077
  • McKeon, S, L. Weber, A. Adams, T.L. Fleischner.  (2019). Human Dimensions:  Natural History as the Innate Foundation of Ecology. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. https://doi.org/10.1002/bes2.1656
  • Weber, L.M. and S.M. Haig. (1996). Shorebird Use of South Carolina Managed and Natural Areas. Journal of Wildlife Management 60: 73-82.

Selected Presentations

  • Conservation Conversations: September 2026, PFW, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Speaker: History of Local Rivers.
  • Webinar Spring Gardening: March 2026, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Invited speaker: Psychological Benefits of Nature.
  • Home and Garden Show: March 2026, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Invited speaker: Birds in the Garden.
  • Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference: January 2026, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Invited speaker: Leveraging Universities to Benefit Projects and Students. Spoke about wildlife management with local groups.
  • Environmental Education Association of Indiana: November 2025, Clifty Falls State Park, Indiana. Invited speaker: Student Psychology in Nature Courses.
  • Trader Days Miami Tribe: November 2025, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Invited speaker: Local Ecology.
  • Indiana Native Plant Association Northeast: October 2025, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Invited speaker: Psychological Benefits of Nature.