Our research
Ecology seeks to understand how biodiversity patterns emerge from ecological processes shaped by species interactions, spatial gradients, environmental variability, and human influence. Coastal marine ecosystems, particularly intertidal systems, offer a dynamic setting to explore these patterns and processes. We investigate these through the following research themes.
Research areas
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Research areas 〰️
Community assembly and biodiversity maintenance
What determines the number and composition of species that occur together in a given community? In this research theme, we focus on understanding the forces that structure biodiversity in local communities and exploring what enables diverse species assemblages to persist in dynamic environments under global change.
We test fundamental theories in ecology using intertidal systems as model systems to uncover the mechanisms driving biodiversity patterns. These insights provide a deeper understanding of the persistence of ecological communities in the face of global challenges.
Spatial complexity across scales
How does habitat space, structure, and configuration shape biodiversity across scales? This theme explores:
The influence of habitat complexity and spatial configuration on species dispersal and biodiversity patterns.
How patchy and fragmented environments modulate ecological processes, including resource availability, species interactions, and dispersal dynamics.
Through this work, we aim to develop new metrics and frameworks to understand how spatial patterns of habitats affect ecological communities. By linking theory with applied questions, this research sheds light on the relationship between biodiversity patterns and habitat structure, helping inform solutions for conserving or enhancing biodiversity.
Global change and biodiversity solutions
Coastal ecosystems face mounting challenges from sea-level rise and rapid urbanisation, creating an urgent need for innovative solutions. Our research focuses on:
Developing nature-based solutions and coastal eco-engineering approaches that are grounded in a rigorous understanding of the ecological and environmental factors driving biodiversity and the impacts affecting their persistence.
Linking human-driven changes and environmental variability to ecological processes to uncover the relationships between biodiversity, habitat structure, and human activities across scales.