Research
Biological invasions are one of the top drivers of global biodiversity decline. Understanding invasive species is critical because these organisms can cause significant ecological, economic, and social harm by disrupting ecosystems, outcompeting native species, and altering biodiversity. Understanding how they arrive, establish, spread, and their impacts helps inform effective prevention and management strategies to protect ecosystems and mitigate the consequences of their spread, particularly in the face of climate change. Moreover, invasive species pose threats to agriculture, forestry, and human health, making it essential to prioritize prevention and control efforts.
Horizon Scanning and Risk Assessment (and other prioritization schemes):
Horizon scanning is a process for identifying unknown risks, emerging issues, and opportunities to inform policy, decision-making, and research prioritization. In the past decade, this method has been applied to invasive species prevention by convening scientists, practitioners, biosecurity staff, and other stakeholders to identify potential invaders and their introduction pathways. Risk assessment evaluates the likelihood a species can establish and spread and the potential impact of a non-native species. It involves analyzing factors such as the species’ potential to spread, environmental suitability, biological traits, and potential impacts to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Both methods are used to help guide decision-making for management, resource allocation, and policy development, ensuring that efforts are focused on the most pressing risks.
One research focus is to refine and apply these methods/tools to aid in the early detection and prevention of high-risk species introductions. Current projects include a national horizon scan of organisms in trade, an all-taxa horizon scan for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the creation of a framework to assist the management of pathways for the secondary spread of invasive species.
​
Investigating the Compounding Effects of Climate Change on Invasive Species Dynamics
Climate change significantly influences invasive species dynamics by altering ecosystems, creating conditions that favor the spread, establishment, and impacts of invasive species. Warming temperatures, shifts in precipitation patterns, increasing CO2 emissions, extended growing seasons, and increased disturbances are exacerbating the threat of invasive species.
In our lab, we are investigating how increased CO2 and temperature influence the production of secondary metabolites and susceptibility to herbivory. Using native and non-native species we will also look for the winners and losers in future conditions to inform management. We will also look at how these conditions influence the establishment and spread of forest pests. Stay tuned as this work is just getting started!!
​
