Research

Herbivory, Herbivore Diversity, and Ecosystem Function

The diversity of herbivores may be critical to the proper function of ecosystems. We are examining how different herbivore species are either redundant or complementary to one another and whether some species are more important for the function of ecosystems.

Herbivore-Coral-Algal-Microbe Interactions on Coral Reefs

Our research is bridging the world of macrobes and microbes to understand how herbivorous fishes on coral reefs impact competition between corals and algae and prevent corals from getting colonized by harmful microbes.

Consumer-derived Nutrients and the Dynamics of Coral Reefs and Kelp Forests

Consumers are significant links in biogeochemical cycles, recycling nutrients back to the environment via excretion and making limiting nutrients available to primary producers.

Herbivores and Fire as Drivers of Savannas

Our group is investigating convergence and divergence in community patterns and ecosystem processes across the grazing ecosystems in North American and African savannas.

Juvenile Blue Tang in Restored Acropora cervicornis

Coral Reef Restoration and Restoration Ecology

Active restoration of corals and ecological processes may be one of the keys to preserving coral reefs. We are addressing critical questions of how to harness key ecological processes to restore ecosystem function on coral reefs.