The Functional and Restoration Ecology Lab at New Mexico State University uses a variety of approaches rooted in community and trait-based ecology to understand the dynamics of biodiversity and ecosystem change. We then seek to apply this understanding to the restoration of disturbed and degraded landscapes. Key questions we aim to answer include:

1. How do drivers of global change (e.g., drought, invasive species, nutrient enrichment) alter the functional underpinnings of plant communities and ecosystems?
2. Which functional traits drive plant establishment, survival, and persistence in disturbed and restored communities?
3. How can we manipulate abiotic and biotic conditions to promote the recovery of biodiversity and ecosystem functions in restoration projects?

 

The lab is recruiting students for Fall 2025!
For more information, click HERE

 

Summer Vasquez is selected for the 2024-2025 ACES Undergraduate Research Scholars Program!

 

Dr. Garbowski leads a nation-wide study on invasive species impacts. Read more HERE