ABOUT ME
Broadly, I am curious about ecological and biogeochemical dynamics across multiple scales. By employing tools from classic field ecology and remote sensing, my research examines the properties and dynamics that emerge at larger landscape scales, and how these dynamics scale or change when compared with finer-scale in-situ observation. The ecosystems that I currently conduct my research in include tropical forests, temperate grasslands, and temperate savannas.
EDUCATION
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Grassland-Woodland Dynamics
I am interested in the competitive dynamics between ecosystems co-dominated by both herbaceous and tree species and how these systems will respond to future changes. Particularly, I am curious about the mechanisms behind recent woody plant expansion and how that influences ecosystem function and biogeochemical cycling. I am currently exploring these dynamics across the Northern Great Plains of North America
Recent Trends in Vegetative Greening
I am curious about the global changes in vegetative productivity, particularly with respect to grassland ecosystems. My particular focus surrounds what is driving these changes and how these changes in vegetative productivity influence ecosystem biogeochemistry and function.
Tropical Forest Dynamics
I am interested in tropical forest demographics and dynamics, particularly with respect to biogeochemical changes. In particular, the degree to which N-fixers influence these tropical forests has been of interest to me. Whether nitrogen fixers positively influences dynamics via increased nitrogen supply or negatively via competitive abilities is a fascinating and open question. I currently examine these questions using a 30-year, 28,000 stem data set from Trinidad.
2012 - 2016
Loyola Marymount University
B.S. in Environmental Engineering;
minor in Applied Mathematics.
2016 - present
Montana State University
Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Science