I study how plant form and function influence populations and community responses to stress. My research is focused on connecting plant traits to demographic processes and ecosystem functions in grasslands. I am broadly interested in how plants responses to abiotic and biotic drivers interact and what this means for community (re)assembly in a rapidly changing climate. I am also passionate about effective science communication and fostering mutually beneficial relationships between humans and plants.
Linking traits to demographyHow do plant traits predict fitness of populations in different environmental conditions? |
Traits and restoration Can we use functional traits to restore communities with specific ecosystem functions? |
Responses to drought and competitionHow to plant populations respond to drought and neighbor cover? Do these responses differ across a precipitation gradient? |
What else am I up to? |
ScicommA virtual learning tool hosted by the Laughlin Lab to connect global landscape ecology, plant communities, and community science in an easy-to-use to interactive map! (and lesson plans for teachers!) Check it out and add your own photos!
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Previous researchInvasive species and you
Invasive species are a global problem, but individual land owners and private citizens have the power to steward their land with preventative and control measures. These acts conserve biodiversity, restore natural systems, and connect us with the environment. Check out this brochure I helped create to help land owners in New England ID determine the best native species to plant to foster beauty and beneficial ecosystem functions in your home garden
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Key conceptsEnvironmental philosophy
"Science is an emotional response to nature. You see something you find beautiful. You want to understand and explore it"
Plants represent so much more in my life than just study subjects. They are friends, food, gifts, and our sisters as changemakers of the modern world. |