Faculty:
Dylan Fischer, PhD, Forest Ecosystem Ecology, Community Ecology, and Tree Physiology
My research in ecosystem ecology addresses linkages between plant diversity and ecosystem function, tree ecophysiology, and plant community responses to disturbance. I teach about ecosystems, environmental problems, forests, trees, and science. But I really just like helping people, asking ecological questions, solving problems, making stuff, and getting outside.
Research Students:
Gates Marshall Coming from a professional background in agriculture, now focused on biogeochemical dynamics in natural systems. Past work has focused on waste valorization, soil microbial ecology, tree water use, and trophic effects of prescribed burning. Recently explored disturbance and recovery dynamics on Mt. St. Helens through fellowship funding and currently exploring factors controlling carbon efflux from soils within the Evergreen State College campus forest. Strongly oriented toward science communication and public understanding of scientific aims. Working toward a world where we recognize our role as part of nature not separate from it.
Maddie DelaCruz Interested in forest ecophysiology specifically focused on plant water relationships. Currently working on measuring tree sap flux, monitoring the differences between a coniferous and deciduous specie. Also, spends time troubleshooting and refining the campus Eddy Covariance system designed to measure CO2 and H2O gas flux. Past work includes: sampling plant community interactions, analyzing above/ below ground relationships in trees, soil ecology and biogeochemistry.
Christopher Maxwell Focused on forest ecology and biogeochemical dynamics in Pacific Northwest forests. Past work includes resurveying long-term biomass plots in Kifer Forest and developing skills in gas exchange measurement. Currently continuing the Kifer biomass analysis and contributing to a long-term cottonwood study monitoring growth traits under varying conditions, including Mount St. Helens tephra additions. Also engaged in soil CO2, flux monitoring and interested in how disturbance, adaptation, and nutrient cycling influence forest resilience.
Aspen Overstreet I am currently a senior at The Evergreen State College and aspire to continue my education as a graduate student. Much of my ecological interest lies in ecosystem gas exchange dynamics. I have research experience working on stomatal responses to aspect and elevation gradients as well as estimating understory gas exchange in forests. I have a background in organic chemistry, field ecology, and biogeochemistry. I am currently working on a national project examining temperature responses in admixed Populus trichocarpa × P. balsamifera genotypes.
Liam Kaperick: With a background in chemistry, I am interested in plant-soil interfaces including litter deposition, soil microbial communities, and the role of decomposition of organic matter in soil development and structure. My past work has involved collection of atmospheric data, measuring temperature effects on soil microbial activity, and investigating food web dynamics of prescribed burns. Recently I began a long-term tree biomass dataset on the debris-avalanche deposit on Mount St. Helens and have started measuring the effects of tephra deposition on microbial populations. My goal is to push scientific communication and literacy to help the public understand the function and beauty of our natural world.
Collaborating Faculty at Evergreen:
Carri LeRoy, PhD, Stream and Community Ecology
Alison Styring, PhD, Ornithology