Invasive, non-native organisms, climate change, and habitat fragmentation have been identified as the three greatest threats to biodiversity globally. Research in my lab focuses on plant, microbial and community responses to these factors, the mechanisms that regulate responses to these factors and effects of these interactions on community and ecosystem processes. As an example, we are examining the broad impacts of urbanization on interactions among plants, soil microbes, and amphibians in the NYC metropolitan area. Research sites include the Calder Center, Central Park, Black Rock Forest, the New York Botanical Garden, and other preserves and parks in southern New York.

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A related project is examining the mechanisms regulating plant responses to environmental change. For example, we are studying the relative contributions of developmental & physiological processes to plant responses to climate change and urbanization.

Other projects we are collaborating on include research on plant, microbial, and ecosystem responses to loss of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) due to the hemlock woolly adelgid, an invasive non-native insect.