Dr. Mary Gardiner, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University

Working landscapes are modified by humans to provide shelter, food and fuel. Our laboratory is interested in evaluating human-mediated disturbances at the landscape-scale. The impacts of disturbances such as the invasion of an exotic species, land use changes, or the introduction of an environmental toxin are likely to be influenced by landscape context.  Conservation of native species and the ecosystems they support within working landscapes requires advancement in our understanding of how variation in landscape variable such as composition, heterogeneity, patchiness or connectivity may mediate the impacts of disturbance. We are currently investigating the influence of landscape, habitat, exotic competitor abundance, and extraguild prey abundance on declining native lady beetle species. We are also starting a new program focused on disturbance within urban landscapes. We are interested in the role of vacant lots in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services within the urban landscape matrix. Many local citizen groups are repurposing these sites into urban farms.  This type of land use change is likely to have many ecological, economic and social impact throughout urban communities. We are current examining the diversity and abundance of beneficial arthropods and their services found within these sites. To check out my recent publications, please see my current CV.

Currently I have assistantships available for MS and PhD students. I am looking for motivated, hard working students with an interest in the conservation of arthropods and their services.  Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about opportunities in the ALE lab: gardiner.29@osu.edu

ALE Lab News: We welcome Scott Prajzner, a new Research Assistant beginning August 1.  Scott is a recent graduate of Michigan State University and has worked in with Rufus Isaacs and Julianna Tuell studying native pollinators.  Welcome Scott!