Our research seeks to address how areas of transition at multiple scales can help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystem properties, processes, and services. This work utilizes both basic ecological research and applied restoration and ecosystem service studies to address questions.
See specific ongoing projects below. |
The Salt Marsh-Mangrove Ecotone
Climate change is resulting in fewer and less severe freeze events in the northern Gulf of Mexico allowing for the expansion of mangroves into previously salt marsh dominated areas. We examined this through multiple lenses to better understand multiple processes and properties, including:
-Patch level dispersal (link) -Above and belowground extent (link) -Restoration with multiple foundation species (link) -Carbon storage differences (link) -Multiple disturbances (link) Core Collaborators: -Katelyn Overstreet (ODU), Mark Hester (UL-Lafayette), Scott Jones (UNF), Michael Osland (USGS), Ken Krauss (USGS), Jonathan Willis (Nichols State University), Richard Day (USGS) |
Blue Carbon Heterogeneity & Spatial Dynamics
Carbon dynamics are critical to understand in coastal wetlands, but are often simplified using just a few measurements. Our work seeks to explore edge effects, patch sizes, seascape arrangement, and overall heterogeneity that occurs with carbon stocks and sequestration to improve estimates. Specific projects include: -Carbon storage and sequestration across tropical ecotones (eg. mangrove, mudflat, and seagrass) -Carbon storage and sequestration in salt marshes of different sizes (learn more) Core Collaborators: Zlatka Rebolledo Sanchez (ODU), Dan Friess (NUS/Tulane), Natasha Bhatia (NTU), Jahson Alemu (NUS/Northeastern Uni.), |
Coastal Wetland Macroecology, Degradation, and Conservation
Comprehensive comparisons and suitable classifications of coastal wetlands is needed to address both applied and basic science questions. This work is the product of several multi-disciplinary, international working groups.
Ongoing work has focused on: -Conservation Optimism in Mangroves (link) -Comprehensive Degradation Assessments (link) -An integrative salt marsh conceptual framework (link) Core Collaborators: Dan Friess (NUS), Taylor Sloey (ODU), Kerrylee Rogers (UoW), Farid Dahdouh Guebas (ULB), Scott Jones (UNF), W. Ryan James (FIU) |
Coastal Restoration and Living Shorelines
Our work aims to inform restoration and provide needed information to practitioners and policymakers. We have several ongoing projects that aim to meet research needs and link up with local non-profits, businesses, and other researchers.
-Oyster devices in living shorelines (CBF, NRPA) -Living shorelines (Biogenics & LWP) -Thin layer placement of sediments -Nature based features in science Core Collaborators: Cate Hemphill, Sierra Hildebrant, Taylor Sloey, Navid Tahvidari, Tom Allen, George McLeod, Blake Steiner, Eric Walters, Ella DiPetto, Gloria Massamba N'Siala (ODU) |
Swamp to Satellite
In collaboration with Taylor Sloey, Tom Allen, and George McLeod (ODU) and partners from the Great Dismal Swamp NWR we are working to connect ground based measurements of forested wetlands to drone and satellite products in the Great Dismal Swamp in a recent tornado scar. This project is generously funded by VA Space Grant Consortium and is meant to expose students to thinking at multiple scales while studying forested wetland recovery. Our work has established multiple plots in the tornado scar and control plots examining species distributions, damage, and seedling dynamics.
Here more with about it in our interview with WHRO. |