Justin Mathias, Lab PI
My research interests generally revolve around forest ecophysiology and biogeochemistry, with projects spanning the impacts of atmospheric pollution on forest carbon and water cycling to how Tasmanian devil declines impact the Eucalypt forests of Tasmania. When not in the office you can find me on one of my favorite trails or rivers!
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Tori Nicholes, PhD Student
​My research interests generally fall within the realms of plant ecophysiology and morphology and climate change biology. In the past I have worked on projects involving aquaponics, crop plant ecophysiology, phenotypic plasticity potentials, and bees! My current project is focusing upon how stomata has changed in size or density in tree leaves over time under global change. When not in my office, you may find me in our herbarium or hiking/biking around outside on some of our local trails!
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Chloe Danner, MS Student
Coming from studying grasses in Kansas, I’m continuing my interest in ecophysiology but this time with trees! My past research studied how micro-anatomical traits in leaves related to drought responses in native grasses, measuring everything from xylem size to stomatal density. Now, I'm eager to apply a somewhat similar approach to explore tree physiology. Outside of my studies, I enjoy being outside, gaming, making and decorating art, or chatting with friends and family.
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Jackson Drew, Postdoctoral Scholar
Hailing from the Arctic investigating shrub growth, I now reside in the Appalachian mountains studying the effects of wildfire smoke on tree growth. I have wide ranging research interests revolving around how plants at different life stages interact with their environments as they grow. My home of Fairbanks Alaska only has six tree species, so I am excited to crane my neck and learn of the more than 100 hardwood trees in the nearby woods.

Stephanie Freund, Postdoctoral Scholar
​I am fascinated by plants and how they interact with and influence ecosystem nutrient cycles. I have previous research experience in aridland community and restoration ecology, followed by a PhD that focused on nutrient uptake by temperate forest trees at multiple spatial and temporal scales. I am excited to continue studying forests in beautiful West Virginia!

Carmen Figueroa, Undergraduate Researcher
​I thoroughly enjoy exploring nature, both outdoors and in a lab. I am currently working on a project involving tree leaf anatomy, and I hope to pursue other nature projects in the future!

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Former Lab Members
Olivia See, Undergraduate Researcher. Now a psychometrist at Northshore Psychological Associates.