Meet Dr. Sara!

Sara Sweeten, PhD, is a leading expert in aquatic restoration and the owner of SAVY Aquatic Restoration, LLC. With a PhD in Fish and Wildlife Conservation from Virginia Tech, and degrees in Fisheries & Aquatic Science (BS, Purdue University) and Biology (MS, James Madison University), Dr. Sweeten has dedicated her career to the ecological restoration of disturbed landscapes and enhancing aquatic ecosystems.

Dr. Sweeten’s expertise includes submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) restoration, specifically focusing on wild celery (Vallisneria americana). Her innovative techniques for growing and transplanting wild celery are transforming restoration efforts. Dr. Sweeten’s work also encompasses a broad understanding of wildlife-habitat interactions and aquatic ecology, including experience with stream fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, and freshwater mussels.

Over the past five years, she has secured over $500,000 in funding from various sources for wild celery restoration projects, and successfully transplanted wild celery in Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, and Virginia. These projects have shown promising results, with thriving plants producing seeds. Dr. Sweeten is committed to expanding her research and restoration work, particularly in Back Bay, focusing on large-scale SAV restoration. Her passion drives her to improve aquatic biological integrity through active management and ecological solutions.