Asa Gray Distinguished University Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Arthur F. Thurnau Professor
About
Links
Answers to population ecology exercises
Sustainable Food Systems at U-M
VandermeersBlog
Academic background
Ph.D., University of Michigan; Post Doc, University of Chicago; Faculty member at U-M since 1971.
Research interests
I. Nonlinear dynamics, especially as applied to population models. Analytical and theoretical models of coupled predator/prey dynamical systems. Intransitive loops and the structure of communities.
II. Ecology of multidimensional agroecological systems -- intercropping systems and agroforestry systems in Tropical America, field work in Mexico amd Puerto Rico. The focus is on the role of biodiversity in the functioning of agroecosystems, especially the multispecies systems so common in tropical areas. Currently very active in the study of the ecology of the coffee rust disease.
III. Dynamics of biodiversity destruction and conservation -- socioeconomic and political analysis of neotropical conversion. Focus is on the quality of the matrix within which patches of natural habitat occur. Includes sociopolitical as well as ecological forces involved in current debates about biodiversity conservation.
Teaching
Bio/Environ 101 -- Food, Energy and Environmental Justice (large, 100 - 200 student undergraduate non-majors course dealing with agriculture, food, energy production, global warming, and the social justice issues involved. Offered every year, 1980 - present).
The ecology of agricultural ecosystems (undergrad/graduate course offered every other year, 1990 - present).
Research Areas(s)
- Theoretical ecology, agroecology, tropical ecology
Affiliation(s)
- Center for the Study of Complex Systems
Michigan Center for Theoretical Physics
School for Environment and Sustainability
Latin American and Caribbean Studies
American Studies
Field(s) of Study
- Ecology, theoretical ecology, tropical ecology, agroecology
Graduate students
- Zach Hajian-Forooshani, Chatura Vaidya, Nicholas Medina, Alexa White, Simone Oliphant, Jacob Longmeyer, Jennifer Flores, So Eun Moon
