Alex Royo

Title: Research Ecologist
Unit: Sustaining Forests in a Changing Environment
Previous Unit: Guidelines and indicators for sustaining forest ecosystems of Pennsylvania and the adjacent Allegheny Plateau Region
Address: Northern Research Station
PO Box 267
Irvine, PA 16329
Phone: 814-563-1040
E-mail: Contact Alex Royo

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Education

• Ph.D. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Pittsburgh, 2005
• M.S. Department of Biological Sciences; University of North Carolina, Greensboro, 1998
• B.A. Department of Biological Sciences; University of North Carolina, Greensboro, 1993
• Graduate Certificate of Latin American Studies; University of Pittsburgh, 2005

Civic & Professional Affiliations

Ecological Society of America

Current Research

My main research focus investigates the role of competition by understory plants and herbivory by ungulates and small mammals in the diversity and abundance of tree seedlings in the understory before overstory gap formation. Furthermore, I am involved in several projects elucidating the role mammalian herbivores play in the maintenance of herbaceous plant communities across a wide latitudinal gradient.

Why is This Important

Among the many factors that determine forest understory diversity prior to any overstory disturbance, competition and herbivory are typically thought of as preeminent. Understanding how these two factors, alone and in concert, act to promote or reduce plant diversity is key to the sustainable management of forest resources.

Future Research

I plan on continuing my research programs on the maintenance of herbaceous species diversity in both temperate and tropical systems. I also plan on examining the potential for developing alternatives to herbicide application for the control of understory herbaceous interference. Additional research interests involve regeneration of forest systems following catastrophic wind disturbance and subsequent salvaging as well as the impact of soil-borne pathogens on early tree establishment.

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