[Past Projects]
Dr. Randy Mitchell and Andrea Kornbluh
Research:
One focus of our research is the effect of plant species distribution on pollinator behavior and diversity. There are many factors which determine where a plant species will live. Abiotic factors include climate, soil type, and amount and frequency of disturbance. Biotic factors include interactions with other species; for example, pollinators such as bees and moths, herbivores such as deer, other nearby plants, and microbes that can increase plant growth or cause disease.
Student Research Opportunities:
We are currently investigating the natural history and distribution of wetland habitats in northeast Ohio with the goal of understanding how land use change and natural events have shaped plant communities. This research will involve both field work and searching historical documents (maps, field trip descriptions, and herbarium records). The student researcher will: gain an understanding of the different types of wetlands in northeast Ohio, learn to identify common wetland plants, and develop methods to assess the extent of disturbance using indicator plant species. There will be additional opportunities to learn about pollinators and pollination ecology through ongoing research projects in the lab.