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My research focuses on understanding and predicting species distribution and abundance patterns across the landscape at local and regional scales. These patterns, when analyzed for spatial or temporal trajectories, can become bioindicators of environmental change.

In mountain systems, I have studied the responses of plant and animal species to drought, warming conditions, and reduced snowpack. In prairie and grassland systems I have studied how landscape configuration, landscape context and landscape management affect local and regional species patterns. My study organisms have included plants, birds, and insects. This approach has allowed me to develop models to understand responses across multiple trophic levels and multiple taxonomic groups.

In addition to my ecological research, I have conducted research on women in science and engineering. I served as a co-PI with a team of ISU administrators, biologists, engineers, philosophers, and sociologists on an NSF funded ADVANCE Institutional Transformation grant to improve the recruitment and retention of women in science and engineering.

My teaching contributions have included both undergraduate and graduate level courses and they echo the areas of my research expertise. I have taught undergraduate and graduate level Conservation Biology courses, Introductory Biology, Women in Science and Engineering, graduate courses such as Foundations of Ecology and Management and Grand Challenges in Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and ecological field trip courses. In all of my classes I emphasize interactive tools to engage students in the learning process and I place a high priority on teaching effective written and oral communication skills.

I hope you explore my web page and enjoy what you find. If you have any questions about my research or opportunities in my lab, please email me at [email protected].

 

Available Positions:  None at this time