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| Research Interests and Background |
As a plant ecologist, my research interests include plant demography, life history, plant/animal interactions, and pollination biology. I am particularly interested in the application of these data to mathematically model the population dynamics of rare, invasive, or economically important plant species.
I have spent several years investigating the population biology of a threatened understory palm, Chamaedorea radicalis, that grows in the montane cloud forests of northeastern Mexico. Leaves of this palm are harvested by local collectors called palmilleros, and there is a concern that over-harvesting is causing a decline in wild C. radicalis populations. As part of my research, I have constructed mathematical models that project the affects of leaf harvest and other disturbances such as livestock grazing on long-term population growth rates. These results are being used to develop management strategies that promote sustainable leaf harvest practices.
My research is currently focused on the population biology of the rare wildflower Senna hebecarpa (wild senna). Wild senna is listed as endangered in NH, and was thought to be extinct within the state until a population was recently discovered on private property in Amherst, NH. Very little is known about the biology of this species, and so my research currently involves documenting the plant's basic reproductive biology, life-history parameters (i.e. rates of birth, growth, and death), and population viability. Additional information is available at my research webpage.
| Directed Studies Projects |
Research in my lab is primarily focused on plant population ecology and conservation. Students interested in conducting an independent research project are welcome to work with me on the pollination biology and population dynamics of wild senna, or other local plant species that are rare, invasive, or otherwise ecologically important. For more information regarding specific research projects, students are advised to contact me and visit my research webpage.
**Additional course information available at my course webpage
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