Research in the my lab focuses broadly on community ecology, in particular the mechanisms explaining patterns of species composition in space and time. I am particularly interested in how habitat spatial structure (i.e., dendritic networks) plays a role in the community assembly process. My studies are generally carried out in aquatic ecosystems, both streams and ponds, but new work focuses on woody and herbaceous plant communities. Specific research foci include:

  • Community assembly in riverine networks. I am using stream restoration practice as a foundation to study how spatial position in a dendritic network mediates the relative role of local (e.g., habitat features) and regional (e.g., dispersal) factors drive local species composition, and turnover in composition across stream reaches.
  • Mechanisms maintaining biodiversity in the built environment. As part of the larger Baltimore Ecosystem Study LTER (BES), I am beginning a new effort to understand the patterns and processes generating and maintaining alpha, beta and gamma diversity in urban ecosystems. A new conceptual model of community assembly was developed for the third phase of BES. This model accommodates both ecological and social factors as important in shaping biodiversity.

Nearly all of my work is in collaboration with scientists at other institutions. Details can be found on my research page. Please contact me if you are interested working in the lab as an undergraduate or graduate student.

Google Scholar Profile, please click here.

Christopher M. Swan
Department of Geography & Environmental Systems
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, Maryland 21045 USA
Chris.Swan@umbc.edu
1 410 455 3957