Professor, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
School of Biological Sciences
Scientist, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory

Association of Delegates, Organization for Tropical Studies

Director, UCI-Nature

Ph.D., University of Colorado, 2004, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Research Interests
community ecology, evolutionary ecology, plant-insect interactions

URL
Lab website: tritrophic.org

Appointments

Postdoctoral Researcher, Cornell University, Dept. Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Anurag A. Agrawal Lab (www.herbivory.com), 2005-2007

Research Abstract
I use manipulative field experiments and to study the interactions between plants, arthropods and insectivorous birds in both ecological and evolutionary contexts. Traits of plants (e.g. defensive chemistry, morphology) influence whole communities of arthropods from the ‘bottom-up’, while predators influence the same communities from the ‘top-down’. These two influences have traditionally been considered separately. Plant defense theory has been bi-trophic in nature, focusing on the pairwise plant-herbivore interaction without explicitly addressing the community context in which the interaction is embedded. At the same time, community ecology has addressed the top-down effects of predators without considering how plant traits affect food web structure.

The goal of my research is to conceptually unite community and evolutionary ecology. To do this, I ask how heritable plant traits influence interaction networks among herbivores, herbivore mutualists, and predators, and in turn how such networks drive the microevolution of plant defense. Methodologically, I model the results of long-term and large-scale field experiments using a combination of quantitative genetic and multivariate statistical techniques. By incorporating complex dynamics into my experiments, I rigorously test theory while simultaneously collecting detailed natural history observations as the basis for refining and pushing forward those same theories.

Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Director, Center for Environmental Biology Director, Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center Francisco J. Ayala School of Biological Sciences PH.D., University of Nevada, Las Vegas; M.S. California State University San Bernardino; B.S. California State University San Bernardino Read more about Travis

Contact Information

Office: (949) 824-2594
Cell: (949) 677-9929
Email: thuxman@uci.edu
University of California, Irvine
449 Steinhaus Hall 
Mail Code: 2525 Irvine, CA 92697

Megan began her work with UC Irvine’s UCI-NATURE (UC Irvine’s Networked Assets to Understand the Environment) program when it was initiated in 2016.  The program oversees operations and stewardship for UC Irvine’s field-based assets for research, teaching, and outreach, including the Steele-Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center within the UC Natural Reserve System.  Prior to her work with UCI-NATURE, Megan held multiple positions with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy over a ten-year period, during which the organization tripled in size.  She worked with staff and partners to develop programs and integrate science into their resource management strategy to inform best management practices.  Upon completing her graduate research, she was Assistant Director for two years at the Sweeney Granite Mountains Desert Research Center, also within the UC Natural Reserve System. Megan has worked extensively on both project implementation and research in the field of restoration ecology in a variety of California ecosystems since 1997.  Her research and methodologies look to leverage natural processes to advance the restoration of ecosystems at scales and in locations that optimize ecological impact and cost efficiency. She received her doctorate in ecology from the University of California, Davis, with an emphasis in restoration, plant ecology, and plant-soil relations, and her bachelor’s degree with a double major in biology and environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.  She is broadly interested in ecology and enjoys bringing people together from multiple sectors of society to better understand natural environments and identify solutions to conservation and restoration challenges.

Contact Information

Office: 3021 Biological Sciences III
Cell: 949-500-8754
Email: mlulow@uci.edu
University of California, Irvine
Mail: 4120 Natural Sciences 2
Irvine CA 92697-1450

Jim Dice has been Reserve Manager since the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center opened in 2012.  He retired in 2012 from California State Parks after 25 years of service with the State of California (including 11.5 years as Senior Environmental Scientist for California State Park’s Colorado Desert District in Borrego Springs; 8.5 years as a Plant Ecologist for the California Department of Fish and Game – Region 5/6; and 4 years as an Associate Resource Ecologist for California State Parks’ Southern Region Headquarters in San Diego). He served as manager for San Diego State University’s Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve from 1987-88 and was Curator of the Desert Garden at Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California, from 1981-1985.  Jim obtained a B.S. in Botany from San Diego State University (1981) and an M.S. degree in Biology (Systematics and Evolutionary Biology) from San Diego State University (1988). He is a past member of the Board of Trustees of the Anza-Borrego Foundation, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, former Conservation Chairman of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, a former member of the Board of Directors of the California Native Plant Society, and a past-President of the San Diego Chapter of the California Native Plant Society.  Currently, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Borrego Springs Civic Association.

 

Contact Information

Office: (760) 767-1010
Cell: (760) 522-7757
Email: dicej@uci.edu
Anza-Borrego Desert Research Ctr.
P.O. Box 2098 401 Tilting T. Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004-2098

Elaine and her family have been residents of Borrego Springs, California, since 2002.  She is an active community member and has served on boards of the local youth sports organizations. Elaine holds a B.A. in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.  She enjoys hiking, mountain biking and photography. Elaine previously worked as a Senior Park Aide for California State Parks’ Colorado Desert District headquarters in Borrego Springs and has been with the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center since 2012.   She coordinates all activities related to lodging (including reservations), housekeeping, building maintenance and accounting for the Center. 

Contact Information

Office: (760) 767-1010
Email: stulving@uci.edu
Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center
P.O. Box 2098 401 Tilting T Dr.
Borrego Springs, CA  92004  

Sicco joined the Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center in the role of Staff Research Associate in spring 2015. He came to Borrego Springs as a snowbird for his wife’s health from Washington State at first back in 2011, and returned each year for a longer period. Back in the 90’s he lived with Kristina on the Banner grade as well as Julian and Elfin Forest, CA. At that time he worked for the Soil Ecology Restoration Group at SDSU, and continues to work on environmental/well-being related projects to this day. His last primary job was at Washington State University, managing the online learning environment, as well as providing technical support for faculty, students, and staff. He obtained a Bachelors degree in Environmental Studies at Alliant International University in San Diego. 

 

Contact Information

Office: (760) 767-1010
Email: srood@uci.edu
Anza-Borrego Desert Research Ctr.
P.O. Box 2098 401 Tilting T. Drive
Borrego Springs, CA 92004-2098

 

 

 

 

Contact Information

Office: (760) 767-1010
Email: atulving@uci.edu
Steele/Burnand Anza-Borrego Desert Research Center
P.O. Box 2098 401 Tilting T Dr.
Borrego Springs, CA  92004