Elizabeth Odoyo’s research focuses on wetlands—some of the most important and threatened ecosystems in the world. She says wetlands are prime targets for exploitation, modification, and destruction by human activities such as overharvesting, drainage, reclamation, pollution, and biological alteration through biotic introductions. Odoyo is investigating papyrus, a wetland plant that rural women use to make baskets, brooms, mats, furniture, and other items to sell at local markets.