Sara Fern Fitzsimmons

Sara Fern Fitzsimmons has worked at Penn State University with The American Chestnut Foundation since 2003, assisting chestnut growers and researchers throughout the Appalachian Mountains.  Born and raised in Hinton, West Virginia, Sara studied Biology at Drew University in Madison, NJ.  She then received a Master’s degree in forest ecology and resource management from Duke University’s Nicholas School.  After a short stint as an editorial assistant at All About Beer Magazine, Sara returned to the forestry field, where she has been ever since. Sara hopes her research and professional work will facilitate long-term conservation and restoration of native tree species at risk from exotic pests and diseases.