Research
I study the soil-fungus-plant-atmosphere continuum, and have spent the last 8 years examining the links among mycorrhizal mycelia, plant community dynamics and biogeochemical cycling. My research thus far has ranged from boreal forest to temperate grassland, and has directly involved both arbuscular and ectomycorrhizal fungi in relationships with herbaceous angiosperms or woody gymnosperms, as well as manipulation of and/or measurement of H2O, C, N, or P in plants, soil or atmosphere. My analyses have included soil properties, mycorrhizal fungal community dynamics and plant parameters as dependent variables. Both isotopic and molecular techniques have been utilized in my studies. At University of British Columbia my research focused on the role of ectomycorrhizal networks in Douglas-fir seedling establishment across water stress gradients. My broader research interests include palaeoecology, convergent evolution, biogeography, ecophysiology and exobiology. I also have strong theoretical interest in energy and other natural resources management and innovation; application of economic principles to ecology and evolution; ethics and rights; and anthropology.
Background:
I had a strong interest in knowledge and exploration from a very young age, persistently craving to understand and see more of the Universe around me. I was involved in a number of science and horticulture programs growing up in Portland, OR. My first big adventure was to obtain my Bachelor of Science degree in natural resource management in 2000 from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. My undergraduate thesis was looking at soil properties adjacent to an off-road vehicle trail in boreal forest, however, my interest in ecology originated in family vacations to parks and camping as a Boy Scout while growing up, combined with attending high school during the height of the “Timber Wars.” At the end of my undergraduate studies I completed some graduate level economics courses and worked on some archaeological excavations and surveys. I then went on to obtain a Master of Science in natural resource management from North Dakota State University in 2004, where I researched the effect of plant diversity and nutrient scaling on mycorrhizal production and N cycling in restored tallgrass prairie. Afterward, I did a summer forestry internship collecting ecological data on oldgrowth restoration treatments.
Fun
When I’m not working I enjoy outdoor activities, particularly hiking (the entire continuum from wilderness to urban core) and rock climbing, as well as philosophy and lateral thinking. If I’m feeling especially enriched with time and money, I will also sometimes eat out, watch a movie, go to a concert I know I’ll enjoy, or travel.
Degree
PhD with Suzanne Simard