Research Interests
I am a Research Ecologist with the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program. My background is in ecosystem ecology, global change ecology, biogeochemistry, and plant ecophysiology. I work across ecological scales to advance our understanding of how ecological pressures and the interactions among them influence plant dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and ecosystem function. My research uses an integrative research approach including large-scale observational networks, field experiments, mechanistic greenhouse and lab studies, and long-term data analysis. By exploring processes that occur over timeframes of minutes to decades and scales ranging from single leaves to broad landscapes, I aim to uncover how global changes shape ecosystem function. This knowledge helps support the health and sustainability of forests and other ecosystems.
Current Projects
Currently, I am working on projects investigating forest microclimates and the factors that shape them to increase understanding of how forests can be managed to sustain cold-dependent species and ecosystem functions as climate change continues. I am also exploring how soil carbon and soil quality are changing through time across U.S. forests and connecting these changes to other aspects of forest communities and their health.
About me
My favorite thing to do is go adventuring with my dog, and I have three cats that wish they could join. I enjoy being outside as much as possible and try to find time for both rest and movement in each day. Lately I’ve gotten into gardening, birding (especially waterfowl and raptors), and aurora chasing.
Education
Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, 2020
M.S., Villanova University, Biology, 2015
B.S., The Pennsylvania State University, Biology (Ecology option), 2013
Favorite tree: Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
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