Networks are a powerful conceptual and modeling framework that consider complex interacting systems in terms of their constituent components and interactions. In the Shea lab, network theory is used to consider the structural and dynamical properties of plant-pollinator ecosystems: How do these communities form? What are their topological and dynamical properties? How do they respond to perturbation, e.g. the loss or invasion of one or more species? By studying these questions in the context of network theory, we stand to gain significant insight into the structure and function of ecological communities. These, in turn, may be used to inform community management decisions.
Katriona Shea's Lab 