Current Lab Members

Laura Gough Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology

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Jennie McLaren Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Scientist
CV

Research Interests: My research examines how the changing composition of plant communities may influence both the properties and functioning of ecosystems. My research in the Gough Lab currently focuses on the consequences of increases of deciduous shrub abundance on arctic tundra in northern Alaska. I'm looking at how shrubs may influence ecosystem processes such as litter decomposition, soil temperature and thaw, soil nutrient dynamics and rooting structure. My PhD research in the Yukon Territory, Canada (with Roy Turkington, University of British Columbia) also focused on the effects of changing plant identity- I used a removal experiment to determine the effects of plant functional groups on a variety of ecosystem properties in northern grasslands.

www.jenniemclaren.com

James Pharr

Ph.D. Student

Co-advised by Dr Woo-Suk Chang

Research Interests: I am interested in using metagenomics to investigate microbial communities in soils and sediments, particularly as they relate to bigger picture topics, such as their role in agriculture or their response anthropogenic contamination.

Brittany Stricklin

Ph.D. Student

Co-advised by Dr Jim Grover

I am interested in the effects of urbanization on native species. I wish to devise predictive measures that can be used for city planning and conservation efforts. My current research is on the utilization of urban habitat by several bird guilds.

Michelle Green

Ph.D. Student

Research Interests: I am interested in the effects of human activities on urban ecosystems.  My research focuses on the increased deposition of nitrogen in urban areas due primarily to fossil fuel combustion, and its effects on individual plant growth, allocation and tissue quality.  I'm also interested in indirect effects of nitrogen deposition on higher trophic levels, specifically insect herbivores.  Currently, I'm working with native plants in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area.   

Heather Bass

Undergraduate Student

Former Graduate Students

David Johnson, Ph.D. 2008
Currently: Postdoctoral Scientist with Dr. Craig Tweedie, UT-El Paso
As of 8/12: Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology at St. Edward's University, Austin, TX 
Dissertation topic: role of mammalian herbivores in determining arctic tundra plant community structure

Matt Watson, Ph.D. 2008
Currently: Assistant Professor at McNeese State University
Dissertation topic: comparative thermal ecology of the Plestiodon (Eumeces) fasciatus species complex

 
Julia Cherry, Ph.D., University of Alabama, 2005
Currently: Assistant Professor of Biology and the New College at University of Alabama
As of 8/12: Associate Professor of Biology and the New College at University of Alabama
Dissertation topic: role of semi-terrestrial herbivores and competition in structuring a water lily (Nymphaea odorata) population in an Alabama reservoir

Matt Rich, M.S., 2012
Thesis topic: arthropod abundance and community structure in shrub and open tundra

Jayme Walton, M.S., University of Texas at Arlington, 2009-2012
Currently: employed as Biological Technician with SWCA Environmental Consultants, Arlington, TX
Thesis topic: succession of turtle and frog communities following strip mining in North Texas

Carol Moulton, M.S. 2009
Currently: Environmental Investigator, Texas Council on Environmental Quality
Thesis topic: role of sexual reproduction in dry heath arctic tundra plant communities

Carolyn Hess, M.S., 2008 
Currently: Chemistry and Physics teacher, Kaufman High School, Kaufman, TX
Thesis topic: how does the plant community determine soil mite abundance in four North Texas vegetation types

Amie Treuer, M.S., 2006
Currently: Plant Ecologist, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Austin, TX 
Thesis topic: does invasion of exotic Sorghum halepense facilitate invasion by native Prosopis glandulosa in North Texas prairie

MarnieRout, M.S., 2005; Ph. D. 2012 University of Montana
Currently: USDA Postdoctoral Scientist, Montana
Thesis topic: allelopathy of Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) in remnant North Texas prairie

Nia Pauliukonis, M.S., University of Alabama, 2002
Currently: employed by State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection 

Former Undergraduate Students

• Gretchen Gann, graduate student, Texas Christian University
• Donna Kirkland, nursing student, Ontario
• Jef Knight, nursing student, North Texas
• Rima Lucardi, completing Ph.D. with Dr. Gary Ervin, Mississippi State University; position as of Fall 2012: Research Ecologist, US Forest Service
• Brian Moon, graduate student, Des Moines University
• Joe Mowery, employed by USDA
• Elizabeth Ramsey, M.S., University of Texas at Austin
• Camille Rogers, science journalism Ph.D. student, University of Wisconsin
• Kanchan Shrestha, M.S., Yale University
• Abby Stubbs, CPS Liason, Safe Haven