Researchers

I am an Assistant Research Professor with an appointment at Biosphere 2, and an adjunct appointment with the School of Natural Resources and Environment at the University of Arizona. I teach courses on urban ecosystem ecology, soil-plant interactions, and science communication. I am interested in the interface of ecological and social sciences to better understand the resilience of socio-ecological systems. My research focuses on the links between the structure and function of ecosystems, and how they respond to humans as drivers of change and as components of ecosystems. I use a variety of approaches, including field studies, lab experiments, digital imaging, and citizen science to address these questions. My current research focuses on the role of green infrastructure in cities, the resilience of semi-arid riparian systems, ecosystem services in natural and urban ecosystems, and the role of urbanization gradients in driving ecological function.