Research

Our lab is broadly interested in understanding the mechanisms that shape the structure and function of ecological systems across spatial and temporal scales. We aim to generate insights on how ecological communities and ecosystems respond to and persist in a changing world. We are convinced that distilling and applying general ecological principles, and a stronger integration between scientific disciplines will allow our research group to advance the understanding of ecological phenomena, and their responses to current and predicted environmental challenges.

Biodiversity Patterns and Processes:

Integrating Neo-and Paleo-Ecology

We are integrating paleoecological data, isotope geochemistry and community ecology to analyze changes in soil arthropod diversity via diversity partitioning (alpha, beta, and gamma), and community structure along modern, centennial and millennial-scales

Environmental Changes: Responses from Individual Organisms to Communities to Ecosystems

We seek to understand how ecological systems; from individual organisms (e.g., energetic demands, growth rates), to species interactions (e.g., plant-pathogen, predator-prey), and to the structure and function of ecosystems (energy fluxes), respond to environmental changes from local to global geographical scales.

Biogeographic and Macroevolution of Organismal Stoichiometric Diversity

We are integrating ecological stoichiometry, evolutionary biology, macroecology and functional biogeography to improve our understanding of biogeographical patterns and the underlying mechanisms of stoichiometric diversity.

Ecosystem Energetics: Implications of Environmental Change

We are using natural (tank bromeliads) and artificial microcosms to test the effects.of different global change drivers on energy pathways and trophic niches of aquatic organisms.