Research Interests
I am broadly interested in
questions related to ecosystem ecology, global change, and biogeochemical
cycles. My main research focus right now has been
understanding the role of photodegradation
in decomposition of leaf litter in grassland ecosystems. I spent the past few
years investigating this question in Colorado in a shortgrass steppe
ecosystem.
Shortgrass Steppe at Central Plains Experimental
Range, CO.
The results of my research in Colorado have led me to explore more questions about the role of
photodegradation in other grassland ecosystems. This led me to design an
experiment in 3 grassland sites across the US. These sites, in New Mexico, Colorado, and Minnesota, are part of the LTER
network. The goal of my research is to
understand what role photodegradation plays in decomposition, and how its
effect may differ in contrasting ecosystems and with differing litter
chemistries.
Old Fields at Cedar Creek, MN.
Desert Grasslands at Sevilleta, NM.
CV
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