Linda E. Watson – Professor & Head, Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, & Evolution, Oklahoma State University (2008-2016). Professor & Chair, Department of Botany, Miami University (Ohio) (1995-2008). Botanist & Program Coordinator, Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma (1987-1995). B.S. (Biological Sciences), Louisiana State University-Shreveport. Ph.D. (Botany, Plant Systematics), University of Oklahoma

Research Interests – Molecular phylogenetics, systematics, evolution, and historical biogeography, primarily of the Asteraceae. North America (southern U.S. and Great Plains), South Africa (Cape Province), Spain (Andalucia), Morocco (Atlas Mountains), Bahamas (Andros Island)

Teaching Interests – Plant Systematics, Plant Taxonomy, Evolution of Plant Biodiversity, Economic Botany, Plant Biology (introductory), Biological Concepts (introductory)

Honors – National Academies Education Fellow in the Life Sciences, 2015-16. Society of Woman Geographers (elected 2000)

Botanical Society of America Service – Education Committee (2010-13), Conservation Committee (1995-98)

American Society of Plant Taxonomists Service – Financial Advisory Committee (2014-17, 2002-05), Grady Webster Award Committee (2013-14), President (2011-12), Treasurer (2005-10; 2 terms)

Flora Oklahoma, Inc. Service - Treasurer (2014-present), Executive Board and Editorial Committee (2008-present); Invited Contributing Editor (1985-1988)

National Science Foundation Service – Panel member: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007

Graduate & Undergraduate Student Education: Mentor to 11 Doctoral students with completed degrees; Mentor to 2 M.S. students with completed degrees; Mentor to numerous undergraduates