Courses:  Biological Science I (BIOL 121), Biological Science II (BIOL 122), Plant Form and Function (BIOL 321), Wetland Plant Ecology (BIOL 488/588)

Research Interests: My research examines the population and community ecology of plants in various wetland systems. Current projects include:

• Restoration of rare/carnivorous plants associated with Carolina bays. Population biology of the Venus fly trap
• Assessment of wetland integrity.
• Structure and function of the high marsh zone of SC salt marshes
• Development and assessment of informal outdoor learning experiences focused on coastal ecosystems.

Selected Publications:

Luken, J.O. 2005. Dionaea muscipula (Venus flytrap) establishment, release, and response of associated species in mowed patches on the rims of Carolina bays. Restoration Ecology 13:678-684.

Luken, J.O. 2005. Habitats of Dionaea muscipula (Venus fly trap), Droseraceae, associated with Carolina bays. Southeastern Naturalist 4:573-584.

Luken, J.O. 2005. Characterizing illegal harvest of the Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula Ellis) at Lewis Ocean Bay Heritage Preserve, South Carolina, USA. Natural Areas Journal 25:295-299.

Luken, J.O. In press. Performance of Dionaea muscipula as influenced by developing vegetation. Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society.