Spatial dynamics of ticks and tick-borne diseases
In Dutchess County, an area where Lyme disease is endemic, we are interested in the spatial distribution of the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, and potential environmental correlates.
Sudden Oak Death and Lyme disease in northern California
Forest communities in northern California are being altered by Sudden Oak Death. The change in forest species composition and the creation of canopy gaps may affect the western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus, and their hosts. We are studying how tick and host populations are influenced by Sudden Oak Death and the resulting affects on Lyme disease risk.
Forest carbon modeling in the Hudson River Valley, NY
The rate of carbon storage in New York State forests is an important management question. We used a biogeochemical model (BIOME-BGC) to estimate the amount and rates of carbon stored in 52 forested sites in the Hudson River Valley of New York State. The forested sites represent the large diversity of forest communities in the region, and include oak, oak-hickory, sugar maple, hemlock and several other forest community types.
Gradient analysis of tree growth in New York State
Tree species growth is largely determined by their physical environment. Forest inventory, climate and soil data were used to model environmental conditions that maximize the growth of several species in New York State. This model provides insight to how environmental change could potentially affect forest ecosystems.
|
