Samantha Catella is fascinated by the causes and consequences of spatial variation in plant communities. As a La Kretz Postdoc, she is excited to collaborate with The Nature Conservancy, California Botanic Gardens, Pomona College, and multiple natural resource agencies throughout the city of Los Angeles to bring a spatial perspective to urban ecology. Her research investigates how spatial heterogeneity in multiple anthropogenic disturbances has affected the population structure and local adaptation of California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) at the urban-wildland interface. Her research will guide efforts to restore biodiverse coastal sage scrub communities within urban Los Angeles. Samantha received her PhD in 2019 from Case Western Reserve University, and completed her first postdoc at the University of Pittsburgh in 2021.