My research program focuses on plant-soil interactions, specifically how differences in soil resource availability influences ecological processes. I am particularly interested in the functioning of aridland systems, such as chaparral and deserts, and I have field sites in the California Coast Range, the Sierra Nevada Foothills, and the Chihuahuan Desert. Closer to home, I have studied populations of invasive roses in the deciduous forests of Ohio. More recently, I have joined an international research consortium (GYPNET), focused on the study of plants adapted to gypsum soils. My approach is highly collaborative and involves mentoring of undergraduate and graduate researchers and maintaining active connections with colleagues at John Carroll University and other institutions.
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Professional Experience |
Dean of Graduate Studies, The Graduate School, John Carroll University. 2020-present.
Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Programs, College of Arts and Sciences, John Carroll University. 2019-2020. Chair, Biology Department, John Carroll University. 2016-2019. Professor, Biology Department, John Carroll University. 2016-present. Adjunct Graduate Faculty, Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences, Cleveland State University, 2011-present. Associate Professor, Biology Department, John Carroll University. 2010-2016. Assistant Professor, Biology Department, John Carroll University. 2005-2010. Post-doctoral Researcher, Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, Advisor: Dr. Kate M. Scow. 2002-2005. Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California, Davis, Advisor: Dr. James H. Richards. 1998-2002. |
Academic
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Ph.D. (2002) Plant Biology, University of California, Davis. Dissertation title: Effects of mineral nutrient deficiencies on plant performance in the desert shrubs Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. consimilis and Sarcobatus vermiculatus. Advisor: James H. Richards.
B.Sc. (1997) Biological Sciences, summa cum laude, Insignis Honors Designation, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, MI. |
Professional Organizations |
Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society (elected)
American Association for the Advancement of Science Botanical Society of America, Physiological Section and Ecological Section Ecological Society of America, Physiological Ecology Section Gamma Sigma Delta Agricultural Honor Society (elected) |