Ingrid M. Parker
| Title | Professor, Jean H. Langenheim Chair in Plant Ecology and Evolution |
| Division | Physical & Biological Sciences |
| Department | Ecology & Evolutionary Biology |
| Affiliations | Environmental Studies Department |
| Phone | 831-459-5017 |
| FAX | 831-459-5353 |
| Web Site | Parker lab page Selected Publications |
| Office | A341 Earth & Marine Sci Bldg |
| Office Hours | See EEB website for details |
| Campus Mail Stop | EE Biology / EMS |
| 1156 High Street Santa Cruz, CA 95064 |
Research Interests
Plant Ecology, Biology Of Species InvasionsI seek to understand what controls plant distribution and abundance, with an emphasis on species interactions. Much of my current work focuses on the evolutionary ecology of plant-insect mutualisms and plant-pathogen interactions.
For many of my research questions I use biological invasions as a tool to study ecological processes. Exotic species, which can be seen as perturbations to natural communities, give us an opportunity to study ecological and evolutionary shifts in response to new conditions and new species interactions. One of my current projects is on the role of pathogens in controlling populations of native vs. non-native clovers on the California Coast. Are introduced species released from the pressure of natural enemies?
Biological invasions are also one of the most urgent conservation issues of our time. I have an interest in both documenting the ecological impacts of particular invasions, and understanding the biological mechanisms behind those impacts. At the interface between science and policy, can we use theoretical ecology to help make better prioritization decisions for species eradication or control? Can we accurately assess the risk of introducing new species (or transgenic varieties)?
Biography, Education and Training
A.B., University of ChicagoPh.D., University of Washington
Miller Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Integrative Biology, UC Berkeley