Educational Background

M.S. Portland State University, Biology - 2002
Thesis: "The Impact of Western Dwarf Mistletoe on Recent Radial Growth of
Managed Ponderosa Pine in Eastern Oregon."

B.A. University of Texas at Austin, Botany - 1998

B.S. Boston University, Film Production - 1993

Research Interests

My research agenda focuses on the ecological role of a parasitic plant, dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) in old-growth ponderosa pine stands of Oregon and Arizona. The impacts of dwarf mistletoe on the structure and function of ponderosa pine trees and forests are poorly understood. The overall objective of my dissertation research is to further our understanding of the complex relationship between dwarf mistletoe and host tree growth, broom development, fire susceptibility and fire behavior.

Primary questions I am addressing are:
1. Does mistletoe influence fuel loadings?
2. Is there a size-age correlation in broom development?
3. How long do brooms persist and how is this influenced by fire history and stand characteristics?
4. Are brooms more flammable than healthy limbs, and if so, to what extent and why?
5. Are heavily broomed trees more susceptible to post-fire mortality than unbroomed individuals?
6. Does mistletoe influence bark thickness?