My research work is focused on Bioclimatology and Plant Phenology.  Plant Phenology investigates seasonal biological events such as spring leaf out and autumn leaf coloration.  The timing of these processes is driven by changes in weather and climate, and can be readily observed for individual plants, or monitored for vegetation covers using satellite remote sensing.  You can learn more about phenology and participate in phenological observation by visiting the website of the USA-National Phenology Network.

In recent years I have particularly studied the geographic patterns of plant phenology as being influenced by both climatic and genotypic differences, among other factors.  One of my ongoing projects is to improve our ability to model such phenological variations in a spatially explicit context.  An application of this idea at the ecosystem level using remote sensing is found here.  To understand this, you can ask yourself: had the entire continental U.S. been given a uniform climate, where would spring greenup occur first?

In addition, I'm collaborating with colleagues in Forestry to conduct drone-based and high-resolution satellite observations of plant phenology.

I teach Physical Geography, Climatology, GIS, and Remote Sensing.  Teaching is an essential part of my professional work.  I enjoy teaching and hope to make a positive impact on students' lives.

For prospective graduate students:

I currently do not have research funding to support research assistants, but if you are interested in pursuing a graduate study in relation to plant phenology and bioclimatology, please feel free to reach out to me as funding may be available through teaching assistantships on a competitive basis.