Ecological theory has traditionally held that abiotic factors and antagonistic interactions are the primary determinants of population and community dynamics. In contrast, mutualistic interactions, in which both species benefit from their association, have received much less attention. My research program uses plants, microbes, and arthropods to explore how mutualistic interactions affect population dynamics, community structure, and the process of evolution.  Mutualistic microbes, in particular, contribute an important, but often overlooked, layer of diversity in ecosystems, and their inclusion in ecological research can increase predictive power and improve management solutions.
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I currently direct the Sevilleta Long-Term Ecological Research Program based in central New Mexico: Climate Variability at Dryland Ecotones. The fluctuating nature of drylands makes them excellent study systems to advance general understanding of the biological consequences of environmental variability.

Castetter Hall 252, 265 and 282
Department of Biology MSC03 2020
The University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001