Search Results
Selected Student:
Laura Phillips
Degree: PhD
E-Mail: phil0308@umn.edu
Website: http://fwcb.cfans.umn.edu/courses/nresexotics3002/GradPages/RCGWEB/index.html
Work Phone: 651-324-7199 (cell)
University Address: 307 Ecology Bldg. 1987 Upper Buford Circle St. Paul, MN 55108
Advisors: Diane L. Larson, Nicholas Jordan
Research: My primary interests are in restoration and invasion ecology. In particular, I am interested in the potential legacy effects of invasive plants, and the implications for post-invasion restoration of plant communities. I am currently studying the legacy effects of garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), an herbaceous biennial that appears to impact native woodland plants through toxic effects on mycorrhizal fungi. I currently have two field studies in progress:
1) Garlic Mustard Addition Study at Warner Nature Center, Marine-on-St. Croix, MN.
a). I'm studying the direct effects of garlic mustard on native woodland herbs by comparing differences in plant growth and mycorrhizal colonization in plots planted with garlic mustard and unplanted controls.
b). This study also examines whether interactions with the invasive tree buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) influences garlic mustard germination and performance.:
2) Garlic Mustard Removal Study at Warner Nature Center and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, Cottage Grove, MN.
a). I'm planting native woodland plants and seeds into invaded and uninvaded plots that I've subjected to three different removal treatments (100% removal, partial removal, and no removal), for different lengths of time. This study will allow me to determine whether garlic mustard's effects on native plants persist following garlic mustard removal and/or at low garlic mustard densities.
b). I'm also applying a dense native seed treatment to a portion of garlic mustard removal plots that will later be planted with more sensitive native plants. The purpose of this experiment is to explore whether pre-seeding post-invasion sites with a selection of tolerant, competitive natives might help prevent re-invasion and promote future establishment of more sensitive native plants (potentially by providing host sites for beleaguered mycorrhizae...??)
In addition to my research, I'm interested in urban ecology and the potential for restoration activities to reconnect people with nature. To increase the restoration presence on campus, I've been developing a Restoration Ecology Graduate Group. I'm also involved in the Cons Bio Ethics Discussion Group. In my very few free minutes, I enjoy running, traveling, gardening, photography, and my very naughty - but very sweet - cats and bunny: Chloe, Cheese Curd, and Mr. Hop Hop.
Laura planting native woodland plants into a ''partial removal'' garlic mustard plot at Warner Nature Center. The sea of ''hay'' behind me is this year's senesced adult garlic mustard.
Laura placing exclosures around an uninvaded control plot at Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.
My field assistant, Katie, (surrounded by garlic mustard), begins clearing a buffer around a soon-to-be garlic mustard removal plot at Warner Nature Center.
Research Interests:
Ecological and/or Genetic Issues in Conservation
Conservation of Populations, Species, and Ecosystems
Plants
| 
