Kenton Sena is a Lecturer in the Lewis Honors College and a recipient of the 2023 Great Teacher award. He earned a B.A. in biology (with a minor in literature) from Asbury University, and M.S. in Forestry from the University of Kentucky. His thesis research focused on forest restoration on reclaimed surface mines in Appalachia. He received his Ph.D. in Integrated Plant and Soil Science (Forest Science emphasis) from the University of Kentucky, focusing on improving methods for detection and characterizing the distribution of a nonnative pathogen (Phytophthora cinnamomi) that causes disease in American chestnut. He has published papers in journals such as Forests, Ecological Restoration, Science of the Total Environment, and Forest Ecology and Management. His teaching and research interests include forest restoration ecology, environmental science, and literature of the environment. He enjoys wildflower photography, hiking, backpacking, and spending time with family and friends.