I am broadly interested in the factors that shape a species’ niche and functional role in an ecosystem. I study dietary niches and how foraging and trophic ecology scale from individuals to populations and ecosystems to better understand how animals influence their environment. I am particularly interested in mammals and their consumption and dispersal of fungal spores and seeds. Mycorrhizal fungi colonize plant roots and increase nutrient and water uptake. Akin to plant-pollinator systems, many mycorrhizal fungi produce fruiting bodies (truffles and mushrooms) that are consumed and dispersed by small mammals. Subsequently, small mammals and their predators (through secondary spore dispersal) can help mediate local fungal diversity and influence establishment and growth of trees. Similarly, by consuming and dispersing seeds, mammals can influence plant community composition and structure. My research integrates a variety of techniques including field surveys and experiments (both in the field and lab) with isotopic analyses, microscopy, and modeling.

If you are interested in knowing more about my research and publications, please check out my lab web page    and Google Scholar site.

Courses:

• BIOL 3410-Vertebrate Zoology
• BIOL 4227/5227-Animal Evolution and Ecology
• Biometry (BIOL 5500)