Mechanims of plant species coexistence in tropical forests
The influence of gap dynamics on tree species coexistence in the Neotropics.
My dissertation research focused on Life history, herbivory, and light: Untangling the biotic and abiotic drivers and consequences of plant diversity.
I recently completed my Ph.D. in Dr. Caroline Farrior’s lab in the program of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, in the Department of Integrative Biology, at the University of Texas at Austin. In May 2019, I completed my Bachelors of Science in Environmental Sciences and Economics at the University of Virginia in Dr. Howard Epstein’s lab . My honors thesis was on post-fire interactions between Ceanothus spp. and Douglas fir in the Klamath mountains.
Research Projects
Leaf herbivory on tree and liana seedlings along tropical forest succession
The influence of understory light availability on herbivory of woody seedlings in different demographic groups.
Plant resource competition under abiotic and biotic pressures
Functional and phylogenetic diversity in predicting the biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationship.
Interspecific plant competition in temperate forest succession
Interspecific competition between Ceanothus spp. and Douglas fir in the Klamath River Basin.
Teaching, Mentoring, Service and Outreach
Teaching experience
Introductory Biology II, Ecology, Lab Experiments, and An Introduction to Building your own Professional Website.
Mentoring undergraduate researchers
Capstone and independent projects.
Efforts to enhance Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity
Ecology Seminar, International Graduate Committee of EEB, the annual mentorship program of SAGES at UT, and EcoEvoApps.
News and Updates
Get In Touch
I'm always eager to talk about tropical forests, forest succession, plant specie scoexistence and the integration of empricial work and theory! Please contact me here or via email if you'd like to get in touch and talk about ecology.