In our lab we study microbiomes through the lens of community ecology. Our research focuses on interactions between plants, microorganisms, and the soil ecosystem. We are especially interested in studying these interactions in ecosystems that are undergoing ecological change, for example from plant invasions, ecosystem restoration, or disturbance. How do plant-soil-microbe interactions create feedback loops that resist or enhance ecological change? How are these interactions structured in space and time and by the environment?

We work in a variety of natural, restored, and managed ecosystems around Illinois, with a particular focus on grasslands, forests, and sustainable agriculture. Our research synthesizes aspects of community ecology, phylogeny, evolution, invasion biology, agroecology, and ecosystem function. We use a combination of field work and experimentation, molecular biology tools, functional assays, and multivariate statistical methods and modeling.