Two critical aspects of managing biological invasions are often ignored: how the invader got there in the first place, and which control efforts are best for reducing spread or local population density. Much of my research has focused on the distribution or spread of invasive plants, which allows me to combine my interests in empirical and theoretical methods, to address research questions in an integrated fashion. Although it is well known that the best method for dealing with invasive species is prevention, little research is focused on the details of how invasives arrive. Spread management is also essential to any restoration project; it makes little sense to remove invasives if they are likely to be spread back into an area.
research outcomes to scientists, as well as to managers and to the public is
also a fundamental part of my research program.
This is also important for my role as a research mentor to students, as
I find students most interested in solving problems when people are interested
in the results right now. In every aspect of this work, collaboration with
students is both integral for the research itself as well as providing an
opportunity for students to participate in the full science cycle: questioning,
testing, concluding and communicating.