Specialization
Forest entomology and biological invasions across forest ecosystems worldwide.
Educational & Professional Background
Education
- BS, Biology, Allegheny College, 1978
- PhD, Entomology, University of California Berkeley, 1984
- postdoctoral, University of Massachusetts, USA, 1984-1988
Professional Experience
- 37-year career as primary scientist with the USDA Forest Service, 1988-2024
- Recognised internationally as one of the leading scientists in the study of forest invasions.
- Leadership experience:
- Organised the International Union of Forest Research Organisations (IUFRO) Task Force on Biological Invasions.
- Led several working groups at international ecological synthesis centres.
- Officer in multiple scientific organisations.
- Organiser of numerous international conferences (from 50 to 3,000 participants).
- Editorial positions in top journals, including Ecology Letters, Ecography, and Biological Invasions.
- Keynote speaker at major international conferences worldwide.
- Long record of international collaboration, with extended visiting scientist positions in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Sweden, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
- Advisory board member for major synthesis centres, including NIMBioS (National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis) and NCEAS (National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis).
- Awards
- IUFRO Scientific Achievement Award
- Fellow of the Entomological Society of America
- Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
At FISC
Provides scientific leadership and vision, drawing on decades of research and international collaboration to shape FISC as a global centre of excellence in forest invasion science.
Beyond Science
I am enjoying exploring the many corners of the Czech Republic and learning about Czech culture and history. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking in mountains and repairing things on my house and I really like gardening! I also am a huge fan of dogs – I identify with their sense of humor and outlook on life!
