Research

I am fascinated by the diverse interactions that shape tropical ecosystems. In particular, I study how plant chemistry mediates the plant-herbivore interactions that generate neotropical forest diversity. I am also very concerned with conservation and restoration, and I apply chemical ecology to improving tropical reforestation. I have worked for many years in Gorongosa National Park, and there I study reforestation and the effects of fire and large mammals on savannas.

Education

BS in Biology with minors in Chemistry, Spanish, and the Clark Honors College, University of Oregon, 1999
PhD in Tropical Chemical Ecology, Tulane University, 2009

Professional experience

Postdoc in plant chemistry and the recovery of the Amazon postfire at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, 2009-2011
Henry Chandler Cowles Fellow, University of Chicago, 2011-2013
Postdoc in natural products chemistry at the Universidade de São Paulo, 2013-2014
Research Manager, Gorongosa National Park, 2014-2015
Assistant Professor, Rhodes College, 2015-2017
Lecturer, Organization for Tropical Studies, 2017-2018
Director of the Gorongosa Master’s in Conservation Biology Program, 2018-2023

Courses

Environmental Assessment
Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Please see my CV for a list of publications and other activities

Stories

October 22, 2024 - OSU Today, Where in the world is instructor Tara Massad? Mozambique