CREST Center for Forest Ecosystems Assessment (CFEA)

Alabama A&M University, Normal AL

Investigators

Abstract

Title: CREST Center for Forest Ecosystems Assessment Alabama A&M University HRD - 0420541 PI - Rory Fraser With NSF support, Alabama A&M University (AAMU) will establish the Center for Forest Ecosystems Assessment (CFEA). Two major goals of the Center are to strengthen integrative, multi-disciplinary research for improved understanding of forest ecosystems, and increase the number of trained professionals, especially African-Americans, engaged in research, teaching and management of renewable natural resources. The Center will pursue five research subprojects: (1) assess productivity changes in the response of the herbaceous, shrub, mid-story and over-story layers; (2) assess the structure and dynamics of a macro invertebrate and a small vertebrate community after disturbance; (3) assess the effect of disturbances in the rhizosphere on the nutrient dynamics and their relationship to the flora; (4) use nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers to determine the extent of inter- and intra-specific introgression in oak and confirm existence and validity of known hybrids; and ( 5) address questions about the human actors and social choices that are influenced by forest ecosystem processes and policies. Intellectual Merit of the Proposed Activity The Alabama A&M University CREST Center will contribute to the knowledge of forest ecosystems by in-depth analysis of additive and confounding effects of anthropogenic and natural interventions in the forest. The Center provides an excellent multidisciplinary venue for not only carrying out pertinent research regarding the impact of disturbance regimes on biodiversity in forests, but also of the additive and confounding effects of anthropogenic and natural interventions in ecosystem dynamics. Broader Impact of the Proposed Activity The Center integrates collaborative research, curriculum development, student training and mentoring, outreach, collaboration and program evaluation. The Center will yield an enhanced research base, enhanced graduate student training, curricula and faculty development, and development of research facilities and resources through planned synchrony in multi-disciplinary research and training.