University of Michigan
Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Recent studies have shown that old forests are net absorbers of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2).  By absorbing more CO2 than they are emitting to the atmosphere, these forests are helping to mitigate the climate changing effects that come from burning fossil fuels.   I study the mechanisms responsible for the persistence of carbon uptake by old forests.  I also study how nitrogen cycling interacts with and constrains carbon absorption.  In my studies, I use a combination of experimental and observational approaches that employ both meteorological and ecological techniques.  I will work with ED-QUEST students to design and implement a study in the experimental forest at the University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS).  Work will include both field sampling and lab work and will be conducted at UMBS.  See the links below for more information about my research and about UMBS. 

 

http://umbs.lsa.umich.edu/research/projects/forest-accelerated-succession-experiment-faset.htm

http://umbs.lsa.umich.edu/research/projects/forests-in-transition.htm

http://www.lsa.umich.edu/umbs/students/guidetolivingatthestation