I am an ecologist who combines field and geospatial data and methods to study the pattern and process of ecological systems. I also strive to build bridges between science and social science.

What motivates my work is recognition of the complexity of the relationship of humans and ecological systems. These relationships and their emergent properties can be studied at different spatial scales and levels of organization. Knowledge gained from field studies, geospatial data, and analysis can be used to build models that help scientists and to understand the implications of human actions on the social and natural systems of which they are a part.

Research interests focus on land use change and its effects on ecosystems and on human vulnerability. This work connects a computer-based simulation (e.g., agent-based modeling) of land-use-change processes with GIS and remote sensing based data on historical patterns of landscape change and social surveys. We are working to couple these models with GIS-based data and other models to evaluate consequences of change. We are also working to understand the ways in which land-use decisions are made. Collaborative research investigate the effects of spatial and social neighborhoods on the physical and social risks on human health.

Bill Currie studies terrestrial and wetland ecosystems, particularly how ecosystem organization controls responses to global change such as elevated nutrient inputs, climate change, and land cover / land use change.  He develops process-based, causal models of ecosystem function and response to change.  He links models with field sampling, large-scale field manipulations, remote sensing data, or with other models across scales and across disciplines.  He teaches the course "Modeling Coupled Human-Natural Systems," and a graduate course in ecosystem modeling.

Bob Grese serves as Director of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.

Interests are in landscape design and management that respects the cultural and natural heritage of a region. Research work has included four themes: restoration and management of cultural and natural landscapes; landscape history; landscape design for children's play and exploration; and urban ecological design. Ecological restoration work has focused on prairie and oak savanna ecosystems and the re-introduction of fire as well as the social aspects of restoration, primarily developing a better understanding of volunteer stewardship programs and networks. Historical investigations have centered primarily on the work of designers such as Jens Jensen and Ossian Cole Simonds who chose to use native vegetation for much of their design work. Interests in children's play is especially focused on the role of plants and playground wilds in promoting imaginative play. Finally, urban design interests center on exploring ways to enhance ecological integrity and promote environmental literacy through intelligent design and community involvement.

I have taught a number of courses over the years, including population ecology, community ecology, and entomology. At Michigan, my courses include a Natural Systems Core Course for Masters Students in SNRE and Introductory Biology for undergraduates.

My research links population processes and ecosystem processes in terrestrial environments. I am particularly interested in feedback processes that operate between the population dynamics of herbivores and the quality of plants upon which they feed. I use a combination of approaches and techniques including field experiments, laboratory experiments, mathematical modeling, soil chemistry, plant chemistry, and stable isotope analysis. In addition to the development of theory, I apply what we learn to environmental issues including climate change, pest dynamics, and invasive species.

My major research interests focus on the current challenges that plant communities are facing in the context of global change, i.e. climate change, invasive species, and landscape fragmentation. These challenges are interconnected as they form the novel environment under which plants are growing. The fact that forest communities are highly dependent on recruitment dynamics makes the study of early demographic stages critical for understanding the impact of global change on the natural ecosystems around us.

My areas of teaching include Field Ecology, a graduate seminar in conservation biology (Conservation in Fragmented Landscapes), and an undergraduate course on sustainable development and globalization (Our Common Future). My research focuses on trophic interactions in tropical agroecosystems and ecological succession in tropical regions.

My current research examines the function of biological diversity in the coffee agroecosystem in Southern Mexico.

John Witter is the George Willis Pack Professor of Forest Entomology. He focuses on the effects of invasive insects and diseases on individual trees, ecosystems, and landscapes in the Great Lakes Region. He examines interactions of various disturbances, such as insects, drought, frost, pollution, and human actions, and their impacts on health and changes in forests.

Steven Yaffee is the Theodore Roosevelt Professor of Ecosystem Management. Research involves natural resource and environmental policy, planning and management; processes of policy formation and implementation; and organizational arrangements for managing natural resources. Of particular interest is policy involving endangered species, public lands, ecosystem management, and nonprofit environmental organizations. Also interested in innovative ways to make collective choices including alternative dispute resolution, collaborative problem-solving, and negotiation processes.

Don Zak holds a joint appointment in the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, College of Literature, Science, and Arts. His research investigates links between the composition and function of soil microbial communities, and the influence of microbial activity on ecosystem-level processes. This work draws on ecology, microbiology, and biochemistry and is focused at several scales of understanding. Current research centers on understanding the link between plant and microbial activity within terrestrial ecosystems, and the influence climate change may have on these dynamics. Teaching includes courses in soil and ecosystem ecology.