People

Lab PI: Dr. Lydia Ries O'Halloran

B.A. Biology, Oberlin College

M.S. & Ph.D. Environmental Sciences (Ecology), University of Virginia

Research Interests Dr. O’Halloran is a plant ecologist with an interest in how plants respond to changing environments and periodic external forcings such as fire and grazing at different spatial and temporal scales. She examines how plants respond to environmental impacts at the species scale (e.g. loss of fitness or phenotypic plasticity) and at ecosystem scales (e.g. changes in gross primary productivity, relative diversity and abundance) in hopes of providing the science necessary for natural resource use and conservation planning under changing conditions.

Justin Robbins - PhD Student

B.S. Tufts University

M.S. Villanova University

Research Interests Justin is interested in the effects of nitrogen on ecosystem functions in grassland diversity and productivity with an additional interest local land-use history at Hobcaw Barony.

Hannah Malcomson - PhD Student

B.S. Animal Science, University of Vermont

M.S. Animal Science, University of Tennessee

Research Interests Hannah’s research interests center around a passion for animal agriculture and the future of sustainable food production. Major areas of interest include regenerative grazing practices, diversified production systems, effective land utilization for production goals, and the future carbon credit market.

Gafar Agunbiade - PhD Student

B.S. Water Resources Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

M.S. Geography, University of Lagos, Nigeria

Research Interests Gafar has a background in water quality and environmental management. His experience has led him to explore the environmental effect of the silvopasture, a sustainable agroforestry system that integrates trees, forage, and livestock.

Randeep Singh- Lab Technician

M.S. Clemson University

Research Interests Randeep enthusiastically executes field and lab work related to soil and vegetation sampling, LI-COR gas flux measurements and various biodiversity assessments. He is an expert alligator rangler and wildlife enthusiast.