Dr. Heather Kirk-Ballard is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Sustainable Urban Landscapes within the Department of Horticulture at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). In her role, she is developing education and Extension programming that emphasizes environmentally friendly landscaping practices with a strong focus on climate resilience. Her work promotes biodiversity in urban landscapes, encourages the use of native plants, and advocates for the use of permeable materials in hardscaping and water conservation techniques. Additionally, she supports efforts to reduce stormwater pollution, chemical use, and food waste. Dr. Kirk-Ballard is also interested in understanding the impact of planned vegetative plantings on reducing the heat island effect in urban areas. Through her programs, she aims to educate students, communities, professionals, and policymakers on designing and maintaining landscapes that not only enhance urban aesthetics but also contribute to environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and climate resilience.