Biography

Most of my scholarly work can be affiliated with the discipline of ecohydrology. This discipline focuses on water exchange within the bedrock/soil – plant – atmosphere continuum. Ecohydrology is a highly interdisciplinary field, and my research draws methods and insights from the disciplines of geology, geomorphology, hydrology, micrometeorology and plant physiology. The physical and chemical processes involving this continuum can be investigated at small to global scales, and while I have dealt with both ends, I am especially fascinated by how vegetation organizes itself in the landscape scale with regards to water. I seek to understand the complex feedbacks between water, vegetation and landscape, and to understand the ecosystem as a whole. One of the main objectives throughout my research has been to uncover the mechanisms that impart ecosystem resilience to human-induced changes, especially those related to climate change. In these times of global change, vegetation (both natural and agricultural) resilience is highly dependent upon climate change and management practices. I aspire to explore all of these broad connections between vegetation, people, water, climate and landscape. During the early phases of my career, I combined scientific research with environmental management occupation. I have done this due to a sense of commitment I have for the environment, and while this path has caused some delay in my academic career, I know it has improved and widened my environmental perspective.