Dr. Jean Burns
Dr. Jean Burns, assistant professor of the Department of Biology, started working at the farm in the fall of 2010. Dr. Burns studies the mechanisms driving community assembly and biological invasions with an emphasis on phylogenetic comparative methods.
Undergraduate Matt Sievers is conducting research on the role of phenotypic plasticity in the invasion of the Lesser Celandine (Ranunculus ficaria). Ranunculus ficaria ssp. bulbifer is a highly invasive plant that is actively controlled by local organizations, such as the Cleveland Metroparks. Matt's research will determine whether Ranunculus ficaria exhibits phenotypic plasticity in response to water or shading treatments, and whether that plasticity is adaptive, potentially contributing to it invasiveness. Matt's research has the potential to inform management strategies for this invasive species and contribute to our understanding of the role of phenotypic plasticity in invasion. Raia Contractor is another undergraduate student working at the Farm a volunteer helping Matt. 
Undergraduate Ben Sulka is conducting research on the role of the regeneration niche in biological invasions, including the role of niche breadth of the germination niche. Ben's research compares the germination niche of five pairs of invasive and noninvasive congeners found in Ohio. Ben's project will contribute to a growing body of knowledge about the role of the germination niche in invasion success, as well as our understanding of the phylogenetic signal on the niche.
