Research
In the DYCE lab, we use remote sensing, machine learning, and field work to study the impacts of climate change on ecosystem function and carbon dynamics across a range of spatial and temporal scales. We focus on two main research questions:
How have climate change, disturbance, and human activity reshaped terrestrial ecosystems?
How do these changes impact the carbon cycle?
We are interested in understanding how ecosystem structure, composition, and function are altered by climate change and wildfires. We specialize in mapping changes in plant functional type distributions, carbon stocks and fluxes, and microclimate at city-to-continent scales. Research topics focus on climate-sensitive systems, including:
-
Arctic-Boreal Ecology
Northern high latitudes are the fastest warming biome, and is apparently “greening” in response. How do wildfires impact these potential carbon gains? Is a biome shift from evergreen forests occurring?
-
Urban Heat Island and Carbon
Urban ecosystems experience enhanced warming, more CO2, and different light environments that may foreshadow ecosystems in future climates. How do urban forests mitigate urban heating? What contribution do forests have in urban carbon budgets?
-
Western US Forests and Fires
The western U.S. is experiencing more intense wildfires. How will forest resources be affected by these fires? Can forests recover in this new cilmate?
