Our research
The Disturbance Ecology and Decomposition lab (DEAD lab) investigates plant death, decomposition, and carbon cycling in the context of global change. We study the patterns and processes of plant death locally, and then use “big data” to scale these findings to the landscape and beyond. Our group leads pioneering research into the effects of a rarely studied phenomenon - lightning, but our work extends across all major agents of plant death. After plants die, they decompose with major implications for the carbon budget. We also explore how environmental conditions, biogeochemistry, and decomposer community assembly influence decomposition.
About us
Lab updates
Follow our news and happenings from the lab.
Our Projects
Our lab has a number of ongoing projects, from lightning mortality to investigating deadwood and decomposition. Check them out here!
Our Team
We are a group of ecologists, scientists, and life-long students. Together, we combine our scientific and research experience from across the globe to help us investigate and better understand the natural world around us.
Lab outputs
Check out the lab’s publications and media spotlights!