Ecology in a changing world

The fear and uncertainty around the changing climate has permeated into every aspect of our global society from governments developing mitigation laws to people altering their lifestyles and economic spending in an effort to be more environmentally conscious. However, for all the attention climate change receives in the modern era, our understanding of the direct and indirect effects of climate change on the environment, and in turn our own species, remains rather limited.

Forests are a particularly important component for developing our understanding of the effects of climate change because they simultaneously are experiencing large-scale mortality and shifts in species composition under new climate regimes while also representing a potential mitigation pathway due to their ability to sequester carbon and feedback on climatic conditions. My research interests focus on understanding the mechanisms promoting the resistance and adaptation of tree species and forest communities to changing climatic variables (e.g. temperature and rainfall).

I am implementing my knowledge from 12 years of ecological research into developing a long-term sustainable farm. This land management project will integrate research objectives with landscape planning, organic food production and ecological living. The goal is to develop science-based management practices and implement those practices in an economically viable plan that also strengthens local communities. Most importantly, I enjoy the integrating ecological theory, research experience and practical and applied management. This website details the objectives and outputs of my research and life projects.