Understanding how and why species interact is central to many fundamental questions in ecology. As environmental conditions shift, disruptions in these interactions can have cascading effects on biodiversity, ecosystem function, and conservation outcomes. Our research investigates the ecological and evolutionary drivers of species interactions, spanning antagonistic (plant-herbivore), predatory (insect-bird), and mutualistic (plant-pollinator) relationships, and how they respond to anthropogenic change. By integrating field studies, experiments, modeling, and conservation applications, we aim to bridge fundamental ecological theory with real-world management strategies in human-dominated landscapes.
The lab's current work focuses on these key questions:
The lab's current work focuses on these key questions:
- How does anthropogenic change impact trophic relationships?
- How do plant characteristics shape individual, population, and community dynamics?
- How can mechanistic ecology inform conservation and management in urbanized and working landscapes?
How does anthropogenic change impact trophic relationships?
The lab's research examines plant-animal interactions, predator-prey dynamics, and coevolutionary theory to understand how anthropogenic changes—such as climate and land use change—affect biotic interactions and populations trends. We use quantitative data to address conservation challenges, providing land managers with science-based insights to preserve and restore ecosystem function and food web resilience.
Desiree also leads the Mansfield Songbird Research Program, a >30-year longitudinal study on high-elevation songbirds, including Bicknell's Thrush and Swainson's Thrush, in Vermont. We use mark-recapture, tracking technology, and molecular and physiological assays to generate mechanistic insights into population dynamics. For more information on this program and our research, visit here.
Current Projects:
Funding: Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative, David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship, University of Delaware Doctoral Fellowship, USDA Forest Service, University of Delaware, Mount Cuba Center
The lab's research examines plant-animal interactions, predator-prey dynamics, and coevolutionary theory to understand how anthropogenic changes—such as climate and land use change—affect biotic interactions and populations trends. We use quantitative data to address conservation challenges, providing land managers with science-based insights to preserve and restore ecosystem function and food web resilience.
Desiree also leads the Mansfield Songbird Research Program, a >30-year longitudinal study on high-elevation songbirds, including Bicknell's Thrush and Swainson's Thrush, in Vermont. We use mark-recapture, tracking technology, and molecular and physiological assays to generate mechanistic insights into population dynamics. For more information on this program and our research, visit here.
Current Projects:
- Linking insect and bird populations in montane ecosystems over three decades of change
- Relationships between urbanization and migratory bird stopover ecology
- Investigating intersexual differences in survival, migratory connectivity, and habitat selection in Bicknell's Thrush
Funding: Forest Ecosystem Monitoring Cooperative, David H. Smith Conservation Research Fellowship, University of Delaware Doctoral Fellowship, USDA Forest Service, University of Delaware, Mount Cuba Center
How do plant characteristics shape individual, population, and community dynamics?
Our research explores how plant identity, geographic origin, and functional traits shape plant-animal interactions and ecosystem-wide function. From an applied perspective, we are interested in how informed plant selection can support biodiversity conservation in highly managed and cultivated ecosystems, such as gardens, agricultural landscapes, and forestry.
A significant focus has been evaluating the ecological consequences of non-native plant species (both invasive and ornamental) on food webs. We have published several studies on how these species impact insect and bird populations and communities. Moving forward, we are expanding this research to examine other dimensions of plant introduction, including near-native species, cultivars, and non-local ecotypes. I am also strongly interested in how network ecology can be applied to conservation decision-making. Our current work takes a finer-scale approach, investigating how plant traits and phylogenetic relationships influence insect and bird resource selection and performance at the individual level.
Current Projects:
Funding: One Hive Foundation, NSF DEB, The North American Bluebird Society, The Maryland Ornithological Society, Mount Cuba
Our research explores how plant identity, geographic origin, and functional traits shape plant-animal interactions and ecosystem-wide function. From an applied perspective, we are interested in how informed plant selection can support biodiversity conservation in highly managed and cultivated ecosystems, such as gardens, agricultural landscapes, and forestry.
A significant focus has been evaluating the ecological consequences of non-native plant species (both invasive and ornamental) on food webs. We have published several studies on how these species impact insect and bird populations and communities. Moving forward, we are expanding this research to examine other dimensions of plant introduction, including near-native species, cultivars, and non-local ecotypes. I am also strongly interested in how network ecology can be applied to conservation decision-making. Our current work takes a finer-scale approach, investigating how plant traits and phylogenetic relationships influence insect and bird resource selection and performance at the individual level.
Current Projects:
- Native Plant Ecotype Study (in collaboration with Native Plant Trust)
- Pollinator Interactions on Plants (PIP) Project: Multiscale drivers of host plant use and flower visitation
Funding: One Hive Foundation, NSF DEB, The North American Bluebird Society, The Maryland Ornithological Society, Mount Cuba
How can mechanistic ecology inform conservation and management in urbanized and working landscapes?
Human-dominated landscapes are among the most rapidly expanding yet least understood ecosystems on Earth. Managing working (e.g., agriculture, forestry) and urban landscapes (e.g., cities, suburbs) has profound effects on both ecological processes and the people who depend on them.
We study how management decisions, restoration efforts, and landscape context influence species interactions, community composition, and ecosystem function. For example, a signifigant body of our work has lead toward new understandings of how residential yard management decisions drives insect and bird communities.
Currently, we work on several projects investigating how vegetation management affects bird and insect communities, and the role of tree composition. Our current research leverages community science and automated technologies to link mechanistic ecological insights to practical, evidence-based conservation strategies.
Current Projects:
Funding: NSF DEB, NSF Macrosystems, University of Delaware Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Disney Conservation
Human-dominated landscapes are among the most rapidly expanding yet least understood ecosystems on Earth. Managing working (e.g., agriculture, forestry) and urban landscapes (e.g., cities, suburbs) has profound effects on both ecological processes and the people who depend on them.
We study how management decisions, restoration efforts, and landscape context influence species interactions, community composition, and ecosystem function. For example, a signifigant body of our work has lead toward new understandings of how residential yard management decisions drives insect and bird communities.
Currently, we work on several projects investigating how vegetation management affects bird and insect communities, and the role of tree composition. Our current research leverages community science and automated technologies to link mechanistic ecological insights to practical, evidence-based conservation strategies.
Current Projects:
- Urban Macrosystems Project (in collaboration with >12 different institutions across the country)
- Effects of silviculture on forest-associated pollinators (with Green Mountain National Forest)
Funding: NSF DEB, NSF Macrosystems, University of Delaware Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Disney Conservation
