Tar spot on the native grass Andropogon virginicus leaf caused by Phyllachora graminis (left). Leaf spot on the native Tripsacum dactyloides caused by Fusarium spp. (center). Sorghum halepense (right) is a major invasive species in the southeast US. It has been a highly successful invader despite being infected by numerous pathogen species, including fungi in the genera Cercospora and Helminthosporium that produce leaf spot diseases.

Courses Taught
Bio 201
Ecology and Evolution 		Principles governing the ecology and evolution of populations, communities and ecosystems, including speciation, population genetics, population regulation and community and ecosystem structure and dynamics.
Ecol 569
Current Issues in Ecology		 A project-based class required of first year students in the Curriculum in Ecology.  The class plans and completes a project on an environmental issue of current importance.  As well as broadening their knowledge of ecology, a chief goal is to learn how to address interdisciplinary environmental problems as an integrated team. 
Biol 568
Disease Ecology & Evolution

Half lecture, half discussion of current primary research literature. Topics include:

  • Mathematical theory on host-pathogen and host-parasite population dynamics
  • Empirical studies of human, wildlife, domesticated animal, coral, insect, and plant host populations infected by viruses, bacteria, fungi, helminths (worms), and other parasites and pathogens
  • Emerging infectious diseases
  • Effects on host behavior
  • Host-parasite coevolution
  • The population biology of the immune system.
  • Evolution of virulence.
  • Anthropogenic effects
  • Public health implications