My research goal is to conserve natural places through
studying how invasive plants impact ecosystems. My Masters
research at Cornell looks at how an invasive plant affects
aquatic invertebrate communities on the Galapagos Islands,
Ecuador. Before coming to Cornell I worked as a field
biologist, conducting conservation-oriented research
that involved assessing the status of endangered amphibian,
fish, and plant populations. In addition, my experiences
teaching landscape ecology and developing a Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) database have inspired me
to direct my future research toward exploring ecological
processes at the landscape level using remote sensing
and GIS tools.
As a CSIP fellow I look forward to working with teachers
to create exploration opportunities for students related
to the ecology of invasive plants. Invasion ecology
encompasses many topics in the natural sciences that
would be both interesting to students and meet national
and state curriculum standards. I am particularly interested
in developing a habitat restoration project in which
students can develop questions within the framework
of invasion ecology, yet have the opportunity to extend
their ideas to the many aspects of ecology, biology,
and environmental science. This framework would accommodate
student’s varied interests with the added benefit
of linking classroom ideas to local environmental issues.
I would also like to develop an interactive computer
lab where students can use GIS tools to explore questions
about ecological processes at the landscape level (a
good winter activity). Finally, despite these specific
interests, my broad biological background and dedication
to education will allow me to help guide student research
in most natural science related topics.