Research
Understanding forest functioning–the array of physiochemical and biological processes that occur within the ecosystem–is essential for assessing and managing the products and services provided by these systems. Tractable, stakeholder-friendly models that simultaneously account for multiple key forest functions (photosynthesis, biomass production, and decomposition) are needed to better address the biological constraints of these systems and inform their management. Our work aims at generating knowledge and estimates of forest ecosystem performance and resilience to environmental change that both advances science and are of use to decision makers.
Forest Resilience to Climate Change
We are particularly interested in the effects of climate change on the structure of natural communities. Because the study of forests is integral to understanding climate change, in our research we have explored the combinations of factors that tend to place tree species at risk of local extinction, especially the constraints related to species recruitment of new individuals. We have also addressed the identification of sources of potential immigrants for a particular region. Our work has also addressed the resilience of current forest to water and productivity loses (Requena-Munor et al. 2023)
Vulnerability to Biological Invasions
Invasive species science has heavily focused on the invasive agent. However, management to protect native species also requires a proactive approach focused on resident communities, and the features affecting their vulnerability to invasion impacts. Vulnerability is likely the result of factors acting across spatial scales, from local to regional, and it is the combined effects of these factors that will determine the magnitude of vulnerability. Here, we introduce an analytical framework that quantifies the scale-dependent impact of biological invasions on native richness from the shape of the native species-area-relationship (SAR).
Tree Growth Responses Under Elevated CO2 - The Role of Mycorhizal Fungi
We are working on a series of field experiments and data analyses aimed at providing novel insight into variation in plant N uptake and response to eCO2. We are assessing the contribution of organic N via mycorrhizal fungi on plant growth response to eCO2 (Pellitier at al. 2021).
