Welcome to Spatial Ecology Lab
We are a research group studying nonlinear spatial systems in nature in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy at the University of California Davis.
We study spatially extended systems to understand how simple local interactions generate the remarkable spatial patterns observed in nature, and how spatial organization, in turn, influences ecosystem resilience, critical transitions, and responses to environmental change.
Many spatial patterns in nature emerge spontaneously from local interactions—a phenomenon known as spatial self-organization. Spatial organization both arises from and feeds back on ecological processes, influencing ecosystem resilience and evolutionary dynamics. Understanding this two-way interaction is essential for predicting ecosystem responses to global change. We investigate these questions across diverse systems, ranging from dryland vegetation and microbial communities to coral reefs and biogeomorphic landscapes. Although these systems differ dramatically, they are united by common mathematical structures. Our goal is to uncover general principles governing spatial organization that transcend individual environmental systems.
Our approach. We combine nonlinear dynamical systems, mathematical modeling, physics-informed machine learning, remote sensing, and field observations to develop mechanistic understanding of spatial organization in nature. Learn more about our Research.
We enjoy working with students who are inspired by big questions, mathematical thinking, and mechanistic understanding. If you aspire to do significant work and enjoy forging novel connections across disciplines, we would love to hear from you (more info)!
News
Our paper led by Junna on climate-driven species range shifts was published in Science! The work was featured by Associated Press, Reuters, and over 500 media outlets worldwide, including BBC, France 24, CBS, and POLITICO.
Congratulations to Malavika on receiving the Dean’s Circle Fellowship!
Congrats to Dr. Dan! He graduated with a Ph.D. in Hydrological Sciences and is heading to join Dr. Bettina Weber’s lab as a postdoc.
Our paper on coupled-evolution of landscapes and plants has been published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution!
Xiaoli and Dawn Sumner received the NSF grant to study the effects of environmental change on microbial self-organized patterns in Antarctic Lakes.
Dan’s first dissertation chapter on spatial self-organization at the community level is published in Ecosystems!
Xiaoli is promoted to associate professor with tenure!
Our new paper on climate impacts on global values of natural capital was published in Nature.
Xiaoli received the NSF grant to study the spatial self-organization of vegetation and biological soil crust community in drylands!