Active Projects

How does phenological plasticity impact fitness and population dynamics?

I am investigating how shifts in the phenology of spring wildflowers affect their fitness and population dynamics. To do this, we are leveraging a long-term soil warming experiment and have planted multiple species of spring wildflowers (Claytonia virginica, Erythronium americanum, and Uvularia grandiflora). By tracking phenological changes under warming conditions, we aim to understand how climate change may reshape the ecology and persistence of these understory communities.

Are spring wildflowers keeping pace with shifting canopy phenology?

Spring wildflowers capture most of their annual carbon before the forest canopy closes each spring. However, it remains unclear whether their life history phenology is shifting at the same rate and in the same direction as overstory trees in response to climate change. While previous studies have explored this question using various datasets, I am taking a novel, integrative approach by combining herbarium records, community science observations, and remote sensing data to investigate how wildflower and canopy phenology are changing across time and space.

What is causing populations declines in the endangered Trillium persistens?

In collaboration with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, I am investigating the causes of recent population declines in Trillium persistens, a globally imperiled and federally endangered spring wildflower. One leading hypothesis is that climate change has intensified prescribed fires, causing them to burn hotter and penetrate deeper into T. persistens habitat. To assess the long-term effects of fire on this rare species, I established a 5-year demographic study comparing burned and unburned populations across its limited range.

What is the conservation status and habitat requirements of the newly described Fothergilla milleri?

Miller’s witch-alder (Fothergilla milleri) is a newly described and globally imperiled shrub found only in a few scattered populations across the Southeast. I’m studying its habitat, threats, and conservation needs to better understand how we can protect this rare species. By combining field surveys with habitat modeling, my work aims to guide future conservation efforts and explore whether management interventions like prescribed fire are necessary for its survival.

Past Projects

What role does hurricane disturbance play in the regeneration of Chamaecyparis thyoides?

Atlantic white-cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides) is considered critically imperiled across much of its range. I studied its regeneration 14 years after Hurricane Katrina in coastal Mississippi and found a 191% increase in stems. This work offers rare insight into how this vulnerable species responds to major storm events and supports future conservation efforts.

Where should conservationist prioritize their effort for Stewartia ovata?

Mountain stewartia (Stewartia ovata) is a rare southeastern U.S. shrub that’s often misidentified and poorly understood. To support its conservation, I developed a habitat suitability model using Maxent and 60 occurrence records. The model identified 376,030 ha of highly suitable habitat, with over a third occurring on public lands. This work can help guide future surveys, reintroduction efforts, and conservation planning for this overlooked species.