Research InterestsOur lab is broadly interested in biology, ecology, and natural history. We address a wide range of questions on communities, ecosystems, biogeochemistry, climate change, etc. We use a variety of tools from biology, mathematics, and statistics, and work in close collaboration with a number of researchers (links below). Prospects of participating in current and future research activities are described in the opportunities page. Information about current and former lab-members, and their work is in the Members page.
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ECOLOGY OF CARBON
Carbon is critical for the functioning of ecosystems and can result in non-linear climate feedback when released into the atmosphere as CO2. Our research on soil carbon covers a broad spectrum, from laboratory based experiments to satellite derived data. We address various processes that influence soil carbon, ranging from enzymatic reactions of microbes to climate change at a global scale. |
Wildlife Conservation
Conservation of wildlife in multiple-use landscapes is particularly challenging due to various forms of human-wildlife conflict. We address the ecological dimensions of conflicts that arise when predators such as the snow leopard kill domestic livestock in the Trans-Himalaya. |
COUPLED HUMAN-aND-NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS
In coupled human-and-natural ecosystems, such as the Trans-Himalayas, both wildlife conservation and human livelihoods depend on primary production and soil fertility. We are identifying the mechanisms which can foster long-term sustainability of ecosystem functions and services that are vulnerable to climate change. |
long-term ecosystem dynamics
We are assessing whether long-term vegetation change (several decades) are adequately described by the theory of ecological resilience, and to what extent are historical dynamics influenced by climate change. |
Vegetation and climate FEEDBACKs
Climate change affects the spatial and temporal patterns of vegetation changes. We analyze the appearance of vegetation on earth from space, using satellite records, to understand the underlying mechanisms of vegetation-climate feedbacks. We assess how vegetation responds to simultaneous change in temperature and precipitation over long times-scales. |
ecological resilience
Ecological resilience refers to a rich body of theory that considers ecosystems as dynamic regimes between alternative states. We address fundamental questions such as :- How does one measure an ecosystem's resilience? How does one determine whether resilience is changing? What determines boundaries between alternative states? Can we delineate these boundaries in real-world ecosystems? Do transitions between states affect ecosystem functions and services? |
current research PROJECTS
Antimicrobial resistance at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment: Human health implications of antibiotics in soil and water across urban and rural settings [ICMR (2024-27)]
Quantifying the effects of antibiotics on soil microbial communities and their impact on soil carbon sequestration
[MoE-STARS (2024-27)]
Long-term monitoring of soil processes in forests and grasslands [LTEO-MoEFCC (2020-25)]
Quantifying the effects of antibiotics on soil microbial communities and their impact on soil carbon sequestration
[MoE-STARS (2024-27)]
Long-term monitoring of soil processes in forests and grasslands [LTEO-MoEFCC (2020-25)]
recent collaborators
Deepak Barua, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research - Pune, India
Brandon T. Bestelmeyer, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Las Cruces, USA
Yash V. Bhatnagar, Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, India
David D. Briske, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
Maria E. Fernández-Giménez, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
Sally Koerner, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, USA
Mitchel P. McClaran, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
Tsewang Namgail, Snow Leopard Conservancy, Leh, India
Mark E. Ritchie, Syracuse University, Syracuse, USA
Mahesh Sankaran, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
Navinder J. Singh, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
X. Ben Wu, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
The Nutrient Network (NutNet)
Brandon T. Bestelmeyer, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Las Cruces, USA
Yash V. Bhatnagar, Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, India
David D. Briske, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
Maria E. Fernández-Giménez, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
Sally Koerner, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, USA
Mitchel P. McClaran, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
Tsewang Namgail, Snow Leopard Conservancy, Leh, India
Mark E. Ritchie, Syracuse University, Syracuse, USA
Mahesh Sankaran, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
Navinder J. Singh, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
X. Ben Wu, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
The Nutrient Network (NutNet)