About the lab
We are based out of California State University East Bay in Hawyard, CA. We use novel tools such as DNA metabarcoding, plant-pollinator network analysis, and citizen science to document which plants and pollinators rely upon one another in two incredible biodiversity hotspots: the California Floristic Province, where we are based, and in the Andes mountains of South America. We are interested in uncovering the intricate web of pollination interactions that sustain the critical ecosystems in which we work, and in using this information in applied conservation efforts.
Research
Current projects in the lab include:
Using DNA metabarcoding to study the diet of resident and migratory hummingbird species in the California Floristic Province.
Documenting plant-pollinator interactions around sensitive plant species in the California Channel Islands
The trait-mediated indirect effects of nectar robbing on pollination services.
Using citizen science to document plant-pollinator interactions in California.
STEAM Storytime at the Baldwin Hills Public Library in Los Angeles.
Citizen science
The lab runs the California Pollination Project, an iNaturalist project, with the goal of building a plant-pollinator visitation network for the entire state of California. Visit the California Pollination Project and learn more about how you can submit critical data to this project here. Your iNaturalist observations will contribute to a growing, open source database of potential pollination interactions in California.
California native bees in the genus Diadasia taking refuge in a prickly pear flower (Opuntia littoralis).
Plant-pollinator visitation network constructed using DNA metabarcoding of hummingbird feces.
outreach
We believe deeply in the critical importance of scientific literacy for all people, no matter their occupation or age. Our lab furthers scientific literacy through citizen science training workshops and talks with the public. We also hope to inspire a diverse generation of future scientists through STEAM Storytimes, a partnership with California public libraries to bring children face to face with real scientists from their communities in a fun and creative setting. STEAM stands for Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, and Math. Please contact us regarding setting up any workshops or speaking events for your organization.
join the lab
The Pollination Ecology & Conservation Lab welcomes potential Undergraduate and Master’s students to participate in ongoing research in the lab and conduct independent work around the specific topic of plant-pollinator interactions and plant-animal mutualisms in general. For more information on the B.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at CSU East Bay, click here. For more information on the M.S. in Biological Sciences at CSU East Bay, click here.