Dr. David R. Johnson

(Post-doctoral Research Associate)

2003-08 Ph.D. Quantitative Biology, University of Texas at Arlington: How herbivores affect individual plant growth, community structure and decomposition in Alaskan tundra: implications for responses to climate change
2000-03 M.S. Biology, Idaho State University: Species composition, diversity, and productivity of plant communities on prehistoric Aleut village sites on the western Alaska Peninsula
1996-2000 B.Sc. Biology, Idaho State University

I am interested in the ecology of plants in extreme abiotic environments including arctic, alpine and desert ecosystems, and how climate change will affect interactions between plant communities in these systems and ecosystem processes. More generally, I am interested in statistics, plant and community ecology, plant-animal interactions, herbivory, species biogeography, urban and suburban ecology, and portraying the importance of preserving biodiversity and the integrity of ecosystems to the public at large.

I’ve taught the undergraduate courses Cell and Molecular Biology and Plant Science

Hiking, birding, fishing, climbing, camping, traveling, gardening, cooking, spending time with my wife Jen and our dog Marge, and judo

Increase scientific knowledge among the public
Contribute to our understanding of ecological processes and how our society impacts these processes.
Reduce my ecological footprint

I grew up in Soda Springs, Idaho where I developed a strong love for natural systems. I’ve been very lucky to have been involved with projects that have allowed travel to a very diverse number of ecosystems most persons will never see. Currently, and throughout my education, I’ve become aware of the need for an increased appreciation for nature and the ecological services they provide our society. It is my goal to increase the understanding and accessibility of natural systems to general and scientific audiences.