My research work is related to 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 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 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.