Melissa Hey

Melissa Hey, Ph.D. is an environmental scientist specializing in terrestrial ecology. Her research interests lie in better understanding natural communities and uncovering consequences of anthropogenic stressors. As an instructor she seeks to support student development through conversation, collaboration, and scientific inquiry.

Education

• Ph.D. University of Virginia
• B.S. College of William & Mary

Teaching Interests

Science and Sustainability; Ecology - Principles and Applications

Research Interests

Terrestrial ecology; urban ecology; sensory pollution; undergraduate research and mentorship; STEM education

Awards and Honors

• 2018, Moore Research Award, UVA Department of Environmental Sciences
• 2017, Graduate Achievement Award in Ecology, UVA Department of Environmental Sciences
• 2016, Ellison-Edmonson Award, UVA Department of Environmental Sciences
• 2015, Mathes Award, College of William & Mary Biology Departmetn
• 2014, Elizabeth Gardner Norweb Summer Environmental Studies Scholarship, Garden Club of America
• 2014, Honors Fellowship, College of William & Mary

Publications

Journal Articles

• Haynes, K. J., Miller, G. D., Perez, M. C., Hey, M. H., Emer, L. K. (2023). Artificial light at night increases the nighttime feeding of monarch butterfly caterpillars without affecting host plant quality . Basic and Applied Ecology, (72) 10-15.
• Hey, M., Epstein, H. E., Haynes, K. J. (2021). Artificial Light at Night Impacts the Litter Layer Invertebrate Community With No Cascading Effects on Litter Breakdown. FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION, (9)
• Hey, M., DiBiase, E., Roach, D. A., Carr, D. E., Haynes, K. J. (2020). Interactions between artificial light at night, soil moisture, and plant density affect the growth of a perennial wildflower. OECOLOGIA, (193) 2 503-510.
• Kula, Abigail A. R., ., Hey, M., Couture, J. J., Townsend, P. A., Dalgleish, H. J. (2020). Intraspecific competition reduces plant size and quality and damage severity increases defense responses in the herbaceous perennial, Asclepias syriaca. PLANT ECOLOGY, (221) 6 421-430.