Research in the Curtis lab revolves around plant and ecosystem ecology. An overarching theme is understanding the ecological consequences of human activity at local to global scales. This theme is pursued through major projects investigating the impact of global climate change on northern hardwood forests, and with developing methods for restoring native tallgrass prairie ecosystems on abandoned agricultural land.

The links below lead to more complete descriptions of these research thrusts, including research opportunities, and to a complete listing of Curtis lab publications.

	Climate Change Research. Dr. Curtis is Director of the UMBS Forest Carbon Cycle Research Program, located at the University of Michigan Biological Station in northern lower Michigan. This facility allows exploration of a wide variety of questions relating to biosphere-atmosphere interactions and basic forest ecology. Funding is primarily through the U.S. Department of Energy, National Institute for Global Environmental Change.
	Restoration Ecology. Successful establishment of diverse assemblages of native tallgrass prairie species on former agricultural land is often impeded by the competitive superiority of non-native, often invasive species on these sites. We are investigating the physiological and demographic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and using ecological principles to shift the competitive balance back to the native species. Funding is primarily through the National Science Foundation.
	Curtis Lab Publications. A comprehensive (as of August 2007) list of Curtis lab publications including many pdf files.