Connectivity and Change in Oak-dominated Forests

My dissertation focuses on major concerns of oak-dominated ecosystems. This includes both oak ecosystems in the western US and eastern and Midwestern regions. Specifically, I examine functional connectivity and barriers to gene flow in valley oak populations in California and address threats to forest diversity and resilience such as fire suppression, biotic invasion. In addition, I examine the effect of management and restoration practices on forest communities, especially red and white oaks in the Chicago metropolitan area.