Professor Adams is involved in the studies a range of problems in the population genetics and evolution of microorganisms. Current projects concern (1) the analysis of the role of transposable elements and gross chromosomal rearrangements in the generation of adaptive genetic change in populations of S. cerevisiae, (2) the analysis of the evolutionary dynamics and physiological basis of polymorphisms arising in evolving populations of E. coli and S. cerevisiae, and (3) molecular and biochemical characterization of the process of adaptation in microbial populations. Dr. Adams also has interests in human population genetics, he is currently working with the genetic and demographic structure of human isolates.
I investigate processes at the ecosystem level using statistical modelling. My main interest in research is to understand ecological processes and population dynamics of aquatic organisms at the ecosystem level, in particular those aspects that are relevant to resource management. Recently I have been investigating spatial and temporal scales needed to study the spatial distribution of fish abundance and obtain indices of abundance of fish populations in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Since fish, as other aquatic organisms, cannot be directly observed large scale population studies must rely on analysis of data from scientific surveys or commercial operations. The analysis of this information requires specialized statistical modeling. Currently my focus is in the Great Lakes.
Research and teaching emphases are on the politics of international development and environmental conservation, with a focus on institutional change, property rights, poverty, and biodiversity. Written extensively on 1) indigenous knowledge, 2) community-based conservation, 3) common property, 4) population and resources, and 5) environmental identities. Recent interests include the decentralization of environmental policy (especially forestry and wildlife), and the emergence of environment as a subject of human concern.
I investigate processes at the ecosystem level using statistical modelling. My main interest in research is to understand ecological processes and population dynamics of aquatic organisms at the ecosystem level, in particular those aspects that are relevant to resource management. Recently I have been investigating spatial and temporal scales needed to study the spatial distribution of fish abundance and obtain indices of abundance of fish populations in marine and freshwater ecosystems. Since fish, as other aquatic organisms, cannot be directly observed large scale population studies must rely on analysis of data from scientific surveys or commercial operations. The analysis of this information requires specialized statistical modeling. Currently my focus is in the Great Lakes.
Adjunct Professor of Mathematical Geography and Population-Environment Dynamics. Most of my scholarly interests center on finding real-world applications for pure mathematics. Often, these theoretical projects have, as one component, a community service aspect: from the local to the international. In recent years, I have found Google 3D SketchUP and Google Earth to be exciting ways to confront theory with practice!
My general research interest is the history of biological diversity, especially from the perspective of ancient and modern mammalian assemblages. I study change in ecological structure of mammalian faunas in relation to environmental gradients over continental regions and over geologic time. This interest links my work in paleoecology, biogeography of modern mammals, and the current loss of biodiversity. Over my academic career, my research has had four themes. The common link among these themes is the ecological and evolutionary response of biodiversity to global change. I have expertise and enduring interest in the history of life but am also interested in elucidating its relevance to contemporary environmental problems. These problems are pervasive and potentially devastating to human well-beings, as well as to environmental quality and the persistence of other species. I am committed to discovering solutions to some of these problems through my research.
Phenolic compounds (tannins and low-molecular weight phenolic acids) are chemical defenses that are widely produced by plants. They are found in especially high concentrations in tree leaves. By comparing insect species that differ in their abilities to tolerate these compounds, my lab has been building a better understanding of the key mechanisms that insects employ to tolerate high levels of these chemical defenses in their foods. A central hypothesis addressed by much of our work has been that phenolic compounds exert their effects on herbivores by producing detrimental oxidation products (semiquinone radicals and other reactive oxygen species). Therefore, we have focused in the past five years on improving methods for measuring many of these oxidation products, as well as on measuring a wide variety of antioxidant defenses in insects.
We are currently working on two major projects: (1) testing the roles of plant oxidative enzymes as defenses against caterpillars and (2) comparing the oxidative activities of tannins in herbivores. In collaboration with a plant geneticist (Peter Constabel), we are testing whether three putative defenses (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and ascorbate oxidase) are effective defenses, as is widely believed. In collaboration with a phenolics chemist (Juha-Pekka Salminen), we are finding that different chemical classes of tannins have different abilities to act as “oxidative defenses” against herbivores such as caterpillars. These basic research projects have long-term importance for breeding and genetic engineering efforts to produce more resistant plants in agriculture and forestry.
Undergraduate and graduate teaching in forest ecology; landscape ecology; natural history, and identification of Woody Plants. Research focuses on the theory and application of the landscape ecosystem approach. Studies emphasize spatial mapping of landscape ecosystems as the basis for conserving and managing ecosystems at multiple scales. Research on diversity of ecosystems and biota in upland, riverine, and wetland ecosystems.
Teaching and research interests include environmental history & philosophy; cod fisheries and aquaculture; complex systems and sustainability; science and technology studies; ecosystem-base management/governance; and critical management studies.
In my research, I investigate the role of environmental heterogeneity, geographic variation in natural selection, and dispersal patterns in species’ evolution and persistence. Based on the findings of that work, I develop and test hypotheses about the relative importance of phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation in nature. Understanding the natural history of the system I am working with is a critical part of my research. Extensive field surveys are used to identify the axes of environmental variation that differ between populations. I combine the field surveys with mark-recapture studies to examine patterns of dispersal. Mesocosm and laboratory experiments are also important parts of my research program. Through these types of experiments, I can isolate specific factors that may determine differences between populations.
Search
Sponsored in part by the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and Herbarium.
© 2008, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors. All rights reserved.
