Alice A. Heikens Title: Professor of Biology Department: Biology Office Location: Barnes 206 Office Phone: (317) - 738 - 8302 E-mail Address: aheikens@franklincollege.edu

Dr. Heikens' interest in rare plants was sparked during her undergraduate honors research on a federally endangered species, Neviusia alabamensis, at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). She continued researching this plant, which was considered to be the most endangered shrub in North America, for her master's in biology from UCA. Her focus changed to endangered plant communities for her doctorate from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She has continued researching endangered species and plant communities since moving to Indiana, and she works in conjunction with numerous agencies/organizations including The Nature Conservancy, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service. She encourages students to join her in researching native grasslands, endangered plants/plant communities, and the effects of management, including fire, on natural areas.

In order to provide others with an opportunity to learn more about nature, she has developed a five-acre prairie at Johnson County Park, and she is working toward developing nature centers at local schools. These sites are used not only as educational tools, but are aesthetically pleasing and are helping increase people's awareness of nature and the environment. Such opportunities allow Heikens to combine her love of teaching with her love of nature.