Research

Human dimensions of natural resource management

I am interested in the interaction between humans and natural resources, and how this shapes their approval of management decisions. My current research for my master’s thesis is on the Human Dimensions of Roadside Vegetation Management. Utilizing social science survey methods, we hope to understand human attitudes and beliefs about roadside forests and roadside vegetation management. The goal of this research is to create new management strategies which will reduce the risk of tree-related power outages.

Interview with Naturally@UConn

Invasive removal and habitat restoration

I am interested in the way exotic invasive species affect local ecosystems, and best management practices to mitigate their impacts. One of the most important parts of land management is the reestablishment of native plant populations. Restoring and maintaining native plant populations is important for helping provide habitat for our native pollinators

Native plant species

I enjoy harvesting seeds and propagating native plants for restoration projects. Species found in areas protected from deer are good exemplars of what should be protected and promoted elsewhere.

Native pollinators

(photo by Paula Sharpe from Rockefeller Preserve)

My management style has attempted to favor species which provide habitat and food for both generalists and specialist pollinator species. Spring beauty andrena bees only use spring beauty flowers so it’s important to make sure to encourage and protect this plant species. Understanding what species are found where, and having a botanical record of occurances, is something important to have.