Steven H. Rogstad

Biography

My Current research involves using our computer program, NEWGARDEN, to investigate how the population growth and genetics of newly establishing plant populations can depend on founding geometry and gene dispersal. Our central focus is to investigate how: 1) differing spationumeric founding patterns; 2) founding geometry relative to preserve boundaries, fragments, and corridors; and 3) the interaction of differing plant life history characteristics with varying spatial patterns of establishment, can affect population growth and the preservation of genetic diversity as populations develop. Goals of this research include exploring how restoration projects aimed at preserving populations of endangered or rescue species (e.g., the American chestnut) might be optimized to maximize growth and the retention of founding genetic diversity, and to examine how genetic diversity can be altered by different patterns of founding in natural populations of species with differing life history features. We are also modeling the population biology and genetics of tropical rain forest species with regard to preserve size and increasing fragmentation.

Research Interest

plant population biology and evolution, and plant population genetics