Dr. Gagnon earned his Ph.D. from Louisiana State University with postdoctoral experience at LSU and the University of Florida. Much of his research focuses on the effects of both natural and human disturbances on wetland and terrestrial plants. Paul served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo, West Africa, and did his master's thesis from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in a coastal mangrove reserve in Ecuador. This and other experience with international development work make Dr. Gagnon well suited for MSU's growing Sustainability Program.