Our research focuses around a central question:

What is the future of Earth’s forests in a changing climate? Massive forest mortality events of many tree species in the last two decades prompt concerns that drought, insects, and wildfire may devastate forests in the coming decades. We study how drought and climate change affect forest ecosystems, including tree physiology, species interactions, carbon cycling, and biosphere-atmosphere feedbacks. This research spans a broad array of spatial scales from xylem cells to ecosystems and seeks to gain a better mechanistic understanding of how climate change will affect forests around the world.

Mentor Philosophy

We will meet regularly with the student to help them with their independent project design, learn new techniques, to help prepare them for SPUR meetings, and to answer any questions that they may have. In these meetings, we will guide the student and help them learn at their own pace in a supportive environment. We want the student to feel comfortable asking questions while learning new methods and concepts. In addition, students will be able to meet with members of the lab whenever needed or desired so they can participate in our lab’s collaborative environment and possibly work on other projects that may interest them. Near the end of the 10-week program, we will help the student with data analysis, poster creation and formatting, and presentation practice. If the student is eligible and choses to continue work into Fall 2022, we will provide assistance and support for submitting a follow-up (e.g. UROP) proposal.