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Phenological shifts
Shifts in phenology, the timing of re-occurring life-cycle events, such as leafout or flowering, are one of the strongest biological indicators of climate change. Because phenology influences a myriad of ecological processes, accurately forecasting phenological shifts has emerged as a critical need for a number of subfields of biology, ecology and environmental science.
Yet, there is tremendous variation in phenological responses to climate cues among individuals, populations and species. Improved predictions will require understanding the causes and consequences of variation across these scales.
Our group uses experiments in controlled environments, data synthesis and field observations to understand both the underlying physiological mechanisms that drive phenological shifts, and the implications of phenological shifts on ecological processes and interactions like pollination, competition and carbon storage. We also consider how phenological diversity can be leverage to meet several land management objectives including invasion resistance, stress tolerance and ecosystem services in natural and managed systems.
Invasive plant impacts and management
Humans are moving plant species around the globe at unprecedented rates, and these introduced species can radically impact communities.
Yet, the impacts of introduced species on biodiversity vary over space and time, depend on the identities of the invaders and attributes of recipient communities. Understanding these dynamics of invasive species impacts is critical to global change biology, and to conservation planning and policy.
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Invasive species research also offers a unique opportunity to integrate classical ecological theory with practical questions about landscape management. As such, many of my research questions in this area are driven by direct engagement with land managers and other stakeholders through our close collaboration n with the Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Network.
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Our research in this area seeks to assess and mitigate the harmful impacts of invasive plants, and develop tools for practitioners to effectively and sustainably manage and prevent plant invasions.
Sustainable management of urban grasslands
From home lawns to parks and golf courses a substantial amount of land is covered by turf grass species. Depending on management approaches these systems can either be ecological oases in the built environment or ecological liabilities.
Our research and extension efforts in urban grassland management aims to help achieve the former conditions by applying ecological principles from to managed systems to promote more sustainable and profitable landscape practices in turf management and horticulture.