Ecosystem Ecology

Environmental signatures and observations offers profound insights into ecosystem processes and interactions. Environmental variables such as temperature, humidity, flora, fauna, and microbial communities influence the intricate interactions within ecosystems, shaping biodiversity and ecosystem health. By studying how these factors impact different ecological processes, we can gain a deeper understanding of how ecosystems function. For instance, variations in decomposition rates across different environments shed light on the role of microbial communities and nutrient cycling as well as inform forensic investigation and research in decomposition ecology. The geographic distribution of plant species or fungal biodiversity can serve as indicators of environmental health, guiding conservation efforts and ecosystem management strategies. Furthermore, analyzing environmental DNA extracted from soil, water, or vegetation allows us to trace species movements, assess genetic diversity, and monitor ecosystem changes over time. Incorporating predictive modeling techniques enhances our ability to anticipate ecosystem responses to environmental perturbations and inform conservation decisions. Overall, leveraging the environment as a tool in ecosystem ecology enriches our understanding of ecological dynamics and fosters sustainable management practices for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity.

Using The Environment To Our Advantage

Research Interests:

-Disturbance ecology

-Community & functional ecology

-Species interactions

-eDNA

-Biosensors & biosignatures

Focusing on:
-Plants and fungi