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Spencer Hall |
Assistant Professor
Department Biology
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN 47405
Email: sprhall@indiana.edu
Phone: (812) 855-6009
Fax: (812) 855-6082
Web Page
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Research Interests
I study interactions between species and their
environment at population, community, and ecosystem levels. I
use freshwater plankton to study these interactions. Plankton
provide an ideal system because they interact strongly, are
readily manipulated in the lab and field, reproduce quickly, and
supply crucial functioning to freshwater ecosystems. My
research program hinges on development of mathematical models,
experimental tests of those in both the laboratory and the
field, and surveys of natural systems. Combined, these
approaches help me rigorously test logical, relevant ideas.
Currently, I run two main research projects based at KBS:
(1). Community ecology of disease: We are studying the influence
of infectious disease on population dynamics and community
interactions. Our work also focuses on the determinants of
spatial and temporal dynamics of bacterial and fungal epidemics
in Daphnia. This work relies on combination of community
ecology, physical limnology, and epidemiological modeling.
(2). Food web stoichiometry: We are developing and testing
theory focused around the intersection of ecological
stoichiometry and food webs. The stoichiometric approach
explores the consequences in mismatches in the elemental
composition of grazers and plants. We use stoichiometric models
to understand competition and coexistence among grazers, new
roles for inedible producers in systems, plant-herbivore
dynamics, and strength of trophic cascades. |
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A Legacy of Conservation
A Commitment to Sustainability
©
2006 Michigan State University Board
of Trustees.
MSU is an affirmative-action,
equal-opportunity institution.