I am interested in climate change, plant-pollinator interactions, conservation, and large-scale habitat disturbance. I am particularly interested in the effects of warm temperatures on the temporal synchronicity of plant and pollinator interactions. My current project looks at the effects of increased nest temperatures on cavity-dwelling bees across an elevation gradient. This summer I will be leading fieldwork in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. My fieldwork will include placing bee nests and conducting flower surveys. This will help me monitor the physical effects of increasing temperatures on the bees and allow me to build a plant-pollinator network for each site.
My master’s work at the University of Florida focused on plant diversity within urban lawns. The goal of this research was to identify plant community characteristics within lawns that promote diverse and abundant arthropod communities. Ultimately, the research strove to promote more sustainable urban landscape practices.