I am largely interested in researching how humans impact ecological systems. I am a plant ecologist and conduct research in wetland ecosystems. 

My long-term research program, in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service and the University of Vermont, explores various ecological and anthropogenic impacts on populations of rare plant Polemonium vanbruntiae in the Green Mountain National Forest. 

My current research in sustainable agriculture focuses on the future of growing rice (Oryza sativa) in cold climates, such as the Northeast. We will study how variable water availability affects rice plant vigor, survival, panicle formation, maturation date, and total grain yield of 4 temperate rice strains during the 2012 growing season.  The project results will inform northeastern farmers how to utilize subprime agricultural land (i.e., on dairy farms) to grow rice and increase farm income in a changing climate.

For my doctoral research with Dr. Alison K. Brody at the University of Vermont Department of Biology (2003-2008), I examined how various ecological and evolutionary factors affected rare plant persistence in wetland habitats.  Specifically, I tested how pollinators, herbivores, and habitat type influenced long-term population dynamics for globally threatened plant species, Polemonium vanbruntiae (Eastern Jacob's ladder).  I used a combination of field experiments and ecological modeling to discern the factors most significantly affecting extinction risk for these rare plant populations. 

Polemonium vanbruntiae occurs in montane wetland regions throughout the
Appalachian mountain range in eastern U.S. and Canada.