4th Year PhD Student

Advisor: Dr. Jodie Holt

Research Interests: I am interested in investigations of the spread of invasive plants using predictive modeling and further, how the structure or physiognomy of the community might affect this spread.  Currently my research involves using environmental data to predict the spread of Pennisetum setaceum (fountain grass) in California.  Additionally, biotic interactions limiting to Pennisetum in potentially suitable habitat will be investigated. I am particularly interested in the potential of Pennisetum to invade coastal sage scrub and desert communities. This research aims to improve our ability to predict which plants become invaders, where they might spread, and which factors most affect spread.

http://www.plantbiology.ucr.edu/wihbey.html