"Adaptation and specialization in changing environments"

Nancy Emery

Associate Professor, CU Boulder, INSTAAR and Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Faculty Director, Niwot Ridge LTER

Bio - As an evolutionary ecologist that studies the evolution of plant populations in variable environments, Dr. Emery is drawn to systems with high levels of spatial and temporal heterogeneity. Her recent projects have provided new insights into the role of environmental variability in driving patterns of habitat specialization, dispersal, and life history variation in wetland, forest, and mountain systems. Since arriving at CU Boulder in 2015, she has expanded her research program to include alpine ecosystems and built strong ties with the Niwot Ridge LTER program.

Talk summary - My research explores how organisms adapt to variable environments with a focus on plant species that occupy rare or extreme habitats. My past work has used information about species’ evolutionary histories to better understand their responses to current and future environmental change. My specific interests in alpine ecosystems, global change, and interdisciplinary research align with the goals and values of the INSTAAR community.

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INSTAAR Seminar Series

All seminars are hybrid events, in person and via Zoom.

Audience: All are welcome

Location: Online and in SEEC S228. 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO.