The Lichstein Lab

We study terrestrial ecosystems, with particular emphasis on forests. What factors control forest diversity from local to regional scales? How does biodiversity affect carbon storage and other ecosystem properties? How has the forest carbon cycle responded to changes in climate, atmospheric chemistry and disturbance, and how will it respond in the future? To answer these questions, we collect field data across a broad range of ecosystems, analyze large datasets, and study community and ecosystem dynamics using mathematical and computer simulation models.