I am a botanist and forest ecologist. My research focuses on plant community ecology and conservation in deciduous forests of the southern Appalachian Mountains. In these systems, I work to better understand the impacts of natural and human-initiated disturbances on native plant communities. GIS (Geographic Information Systems) applications are often used as components of this work. Specific research interests include:

  • description and classification of local / regional vegetation patterns
  • impacts of non-native invasive species
  • use of prescribed burning to manage native forests and grasslands
  • effects of white-tailed deer browsing on forest diversity and regeneration
   
 
   
   

Recent research collaborations have also involved:

  • sustainable harvesting of black cohosh, a southern Appalachian medicinal plant
  • habitat requirements of small mammal, reptile, and amphibian populations

I also greatly enjoy teaching at Radford University. I have had the opportunity to work with students at all stages of the Biology major and from fields outside Biology. Currently, I teach courses in Field Botany (BIOL 476), General Botany (BIOL 215), General Biology (BIOL 121 & 122), Directed Study and Research (BIOL 491), Environmental Biology (BIOL 103), and Human Biology (BIOL 104).

Visit my webpage to learn more about my teaching and research!