Jessica Turner-Skoff, Ph.D.

Despite starting her early academic career studying and working with animals, Jessica's professional interest quickly became rooted in plants. Jessica has a diverse background focused on communicating science and promoting conservation with numerous stakeholders, including: scientists, the general public, and non-profit organizations. As The Morton Arboretum's first Treeologist, Jessica supports the Arboretum's mission and vision to be the leading center of tree expertise by communicating and sharing expert knowledge. While centered in the Science and Conservation Department, she works closely with Education and Marketing to help catalyze tree advocacy by creatively making tree science, horticulture, and conservation relevant and accessible to target audiences.

Additionally, she is also an Auxiliary Board Member for the Chicago Council on Science and Technology. She earned her PhD from West Virginia University, her MS from University of Maryland, College-Park, and her BS from Muskingum University.