Evidence-based Restoration Lab

I am a classically trained ecosystem/restoration ecologist and I use interdisciplinary, cross-scale methods to answer applied biological research questions both domestically and internationally.  My research group studies the causes and consequences of ecosystem degradation and species endangerment and pursues research that seeks to understand how we can prioritize our restoration and conservation efforts, identify innovative restoration/conservation strategies, and highlight solutions to declining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.  Recent and current projects include amassing a database of studies that document recovery and restoration after major perturbations and using meta-analysis to search for general patterns in recovery and restoration; quantifying the effects of vertebrate eradications on threatened island-breeding species; using geospatial mapping to identify where ecosystems can help coastal communities adapt to climate change; and investigating recovery trajectories of New Zealand islands subjected to different restoration strategies following rodent removal.

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The unifying theme of my research is applying basic ecological theory and principles to answer fundamental applied questions.  I work with conservation non-profits, practitioners, and other researchers to incorporate environmental economics and public policy into my research.

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In my spare time, I enjoy spending time in nature and cooking with my husband and two young daughters, and playing with our husky mutt.