Bio

I am broadly interested in how plant species' physiological traits relate to their ecology. My research is highly physiological and focuses on leaf traits, both chemical and physical, that influence carbon uptake – photosynthesis – in shade tolerant understory plants. Additionally, I also focus on how invasive species’ traits vary from native species', and whether these trait differences can lead to competitive advantages for invasive species, or perhaps can explain their success in new ranges. You can find more about my research interests below.

I was advised by Dr. Jason Fridley in the Biology department at Syracuse University. Dr. David Gibson advised me during my master's research in the Plant Biology department at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

I enjoy lots of hobbies outside of academic research including rock climbing, hiking, botanizing, camping, cross country skiing, and photography. Depending on the season, you'll find me in the Adirondacks bouldering, cross country skiing, or hunting for spring ephemerals on the weekends.

Read more in my CV, here

Seasonal Plasticity

Adaptive changes in leaf traits of understory shrub species to reflect seasonal light variation in deciduous forest understories

Trans-continental Comparisons of Invaders

Home and away trait comparison of East Asian invaders of the Northeast

Evolution of Ecophysiological Traits

Evolution of leaf traits in a model species, Mimulus guttatus

Dynamics of Old Field Communities

Changes in relative abundance of native and exotic species during secondary succession