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Barbara (Bitty) Roy Associate Professor
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Office: 461B Onyx Bridge |
Research Interests:
•Influence of pathogens on host biodiversity
•Evolution of resistance and tolerance to disease
•Interactions between biotic and abiotic stresses (including climate change)
•Pollination ecology
Current Research Projects:
Two different projects have been initiated to address this question. First, in collaboration with John Harte (UC Berkeley), we are monitoring pests in an experiment where heaters have been used for ten years to increase the temperatures in a natural meadow in the Rocky Mountains. Second, in collaboration with Christa Mulder (University of AK, Fairbanks,), we are examining the effects of climate change on the parasites of common understory plant species in the boreal forest. This work is funded by a DOE-WESTGEC grant to Bitty Roy and Christa Mulder.
To test this hypothesis we are determining whether or not parasites actually reduce the population size of grasses where they are native, and whether or not there are differences in population control in the invaded habitat. We are examining population dynamics at several sites in Oregon (the invaded habitat) and in Switzerland (native habitat). Three students are involved in this project ( Julie Stewart, Susie Holmes, and Danielle Kellar) as are international collaborators (Peter Edwards, Sabine Güsewell, Adrian Leuchtmann, Stéphanie Schürch). This work is funded by an NSF grant to Bitty Roy.
In a collaborative effort with the West Eugene Wetlands (WEW) partners, we have been examining the efficacy of different restoration techniques (e.g., solarization, herbicides, tilling, etc.) to restore wetland communities and soil functions (West Eugene Wetlands photos ). The dissertation of Laurel Pfeifer-Meister is based on this project. Our work is supported by LCOG and the EPA. PIs are: Scott Bridgham, Bitty Roy and Bart Johnson.
