Ecosystem Health is a concept that integrates environmental conditions with the impacts of anthropogenic (human) activities to give information for a sustainable use and management of natural resources.
(Encyclopedia of Ecology, 2019)
(Encyclopedia of Ecology, 2019)
RESEARCH Philosophy
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applied
1 : put to practical use computation 1a : the act or action of computing : calculation b : the use or operation of a computer ecology 1 : a branch of science concerned with the interrelationship of organisms and their environments 2 : the totality or pattern of relations between organisms and their environment |
This lab is grounded in informing management recommendations. To address societal problems requires complex, interdisciplinary approaches with relevance to both land-use and climate change to identify and mitigate consequences for global human health. We are driven by both ecological theory and how to develop and apply data-analytic methods and techniques.
We use computational modeling to aid biodiversity conservation efforts and understand patterns of emerging infectious diseases. We take integrative approaches to model complex systems to examine the consequences across a hierarchy of spatial and temporal scales.To delineate the salient aspects an ecosystem, we identify the inputs needed to create purposeful models. As we learn more, we need to account for the complexities of ecological interactions to provide an accurate description of ecosystem dynamics. |
1. Long-term datasets: Using existing data to forecast future actions
Cirsium pitcheri is a federally threatened endemic dune thistle that exhibit meta population dynamics. Several populations have been monitored at Indiana Dunes State Park since 1998 and Illinois Beach since 1992. To aid continued conservation efforts, we employ population viability analysis to better understand the underlying processes that influence population declines. Using models and sensitivity analyses, we examine future viability to determine the most cost effective and time efficient restoration practices.
Publications
Halsey SJ, Cinel S, Wilson J, Bell TJ, Bowles M. 2017. Predicting Population Viability of a Monocarpic Perennial Dune Thistle
using Individual-Based Models. Ecological Modelling. 359:363-371.pdf supplement
Halsey SJ, Bell TJ, Bowles M. 2017. Initial Transplant Size and Microsite Influences Transplant Survivorship and Growth of a
Threaten Dune Thistle Ecological Restoration. 35(1):52-59. pdf supplement
Halsey SJ, Bell TJ, McEachern K, Pavlovic N. 2016. Population-specific Life Histories in Restoration Contribute to
Metapopulation Viability. Ecosphere. 7(11):e01536 pdf
Halsey SJ, Bell TJ, McEachern K, Pavlovic N. 2015. Comparison of Reintroduction and Enhancement Effects on Metapopulation
Viability. Restoration Ecology. 23(4):375-384. pdf supplement
Publications
Halsey SJ, Cinel S, Wilson J, Bell TJ, Bowles M. 2017. Predicting Population Viability of a Monocarpic Perennial Dune Thistle
using Individual-Based Models. Ecological Modelling. 359:363-371.pdf supplement
Halsey SJ, Bell TJ, Bowles M. 2017. Initial Transplant Size and Microsite Influences Transplant Survivorship and Growth of a
Threaten Dune Thistle Ecological Restoration. 35(1):52-59. pdf supplement
Halsey SJ, Bell TJ, McEachern K, Pavlovic N. 2016. Population-specific Life Histories in Restoration Contribute to
Metapopulation Viability. Ecosphere. 7(11):e01536 pdf
Halsey SJ, Bell TJ, McEachern K, Pavlovic N. 2015. Comparison of Reintroduction and Enhancement Effects on Metapopulation
Viability. Restoration Ecology. 23(4):375-384. pdf supplement
2. Modeling complex systems: understanding biodiversity-disease relationships
Tick-borne diseases are increasing worldwide and have a progressively negative impact on human health. The black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the known vector of several emerging tick-borne diseases. Due to the ongoing expansion of Ixodes scapularis (blacklegged tick) throughout the northeastern and mid- western United States, there is need to identify the role wildlife hosts play in the establishment and maintenance of tick populations. To effectively manage diseases requires enhanced knowledge of the interactions of the tick, its hosts, and the environment. Modeling approaches may offer a way to evaluate vector control strategies since it is impossible to conduct large- scale experiments in natural settings.
Publications
Halsey SJ. 2019. Defuse the Dilution Effect Debate. Nature Ecology and Evolution. 3: 145-146.
Halsey SJ, Miller JR. 2018. A spatial agent-based model of the disease vector Ixodes scapularis used to explore tick-host
associations. Ecological Modelling. 387:96-106.
Halsey SJ, Allan, BF, Miller JR. 2018. The role of Ixodes scapularis, Borrelia burgdorferi and wildlife hosts in Lyme disease prevalence:
A quantitative review. Ticks and Tick-borne disease. 9:1103-1114.
Publications
Halsey SJ. 2019. Defuse the Dilution Effect Debate. Nature Ecology and Evolution. 3: 145-146.
Halsey SJ, Miller JR. 2018. A spatial agent-based model of the disease vector Ixodes scapularis used to explore tick-host
associations. Ecological Modelling. 387:96-106.
Halsey SJ, Allan, BF, Miller JR. 2018. The role of Ixodes scapularis, Borrelia burgdorferi and wildlife hosts in Lyme disease prevalence:
A quantitative review. Ticks and Tick-borne disease. 9:1103-1114.