Menzmer, Austin J. PhD
Biography
Dr. Austin Menzmer (he/him) is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Â鶹ֱ²¥ University. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the University of Georgia in 2024.
His research focuses on how ecological disturbances, such as climate change and invasive species, affect herbaceous plant communities across Maine’s terrestrial and coastal ecosystems. He regularly mentors undergraduates in the research process through his Senior Research Capstone course each fall.
At Â鶹ֱ²¥, Dr. Menzmer is passionate about crafting courses in which students not only learn content but also develop transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, and curiosity. He most frequently teaches General Biology II, Anatomy and Physiology, and Medicinal Botany.
Dr. Menzmer serves on the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Sustainability Committee and is the faculty advisor to the Â鶹ֱ²¥ Biology Club. Externally, he is an advisor to the Maine Rockweed Coalition and is developing an educational video series on the coastal ecology of Maine (est. release: 2028).
Publications:
Menzmer, A.J. (2025). No Worse for the Weather: The Long-Term Impact of Wind and Salvage Logging on Herbaceous Plants. Tipularia, 40(2025), 11–16.