Research Activities

Broadly, my research addresses questions in forest health (entomology and pathology), which incorporates forest ecology, invasion ecology, biological control, fire ecology, and silviculture. In the past, I have assessed the effects of prescribed fire and refugia on arthropod diversity in the Missouri Ozarks and evaluated eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) dieback in the Appalachian Mountains. Currently, I am:
     - Using biological control datasets to develop models and answer questions about non-native insect invasions in North America, 
     - Assessing interdisciplinarity between invasion ecologists and biological control professionals using scientometrics, 
     - Evaluating inter-rater agreement among experts assessing the impacts of non-native insect species, and 
     - Collaborating with the USGS Powell Center and National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) "High-impact
        insect invasions" working groups to predict the next high-impact insect invaders in rural and urban forests of North America.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” - Albert Einstein
Picture
Patch of eastern white pine seedlings in White Sulphur Springs, WV

​
Forest Ecology

 In an effort to better understand the ecological functions that occur within forested ecosystems, I enjoy exploring everything from the function and composition of different tree species in forest stands, to the diversity of decomposing fungi, and insects in the leaf litter.
Picture
Matsucoccus macrocicatrices nestled in the branch crotch of an eastern white pine seedling


Forest Insects

From ground-dwelling ants and crickets, to sap-feeding scale insects and wood-boring beetles, forest insects play an important role in the functions of our forests. Although I focus on insects that occupy trees, I am also interested in insects that are predators, parasitoids, and decomposers in forest ecosystems.
Picture
Caliciopsis pinea ascocarps on eastern white pine seedling


Forest Pathogens

The signs and symptoms of fungal (and other) pathogens can frequently be seen in forests throughout the eastern United States. I am particularly interested in how these pathogens work with predisposing, inciting, and other contributing factors to affect the health of trees.