Research Interests of Dr. Katia Engelhardt
Biodiversity Theory
The earth's ecosystems support an awesome biodiversity of plant and animal species. The biggest motivator of my research is to contribute to the understanding of a) the dominant biodiversity drivers and b) the linkages to ecosystem functioning. With this research, I hope to inform biodiversity theory, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and restoration science. I focus on a variety of ecosystems ranging from Sphagnum -dominated peatlands, riparian buffers, tidal freshwater marshes, submersed aquatic macrophytes beds, to even the marine benthos.
Invasion Ecology
The composition of the world's ecosystems is changing undeniably and many factors contribute to this change in biodiversity. One such factor is the invasion of non-native species. Using a variety of research approaches, my students and I explore a) how native and non-native species diversity is related and why; b) whether native species may preempt or curb the success of non-native species; and c) how sediment characteristics may affect the outcome of competition between native and non-native species. Submersed aquatic macrophytes beds and landscapes dominated by agriculture are our model systems.
Restoration Science
With native biodiversity declining and invasions increasing in many ecosystems, the need to effectively and efficiently restore degraded ecosystems has never been as important as it is today. My research is often motivated and funded by this need. I am working predominantly with the National Park Service to identify the feasibility of restoring a tidal freshwater marsh near Alexandria Virginia, and to explore grassland restoration principles and practices for National Parks in the Chesapeake Bay region.
Hatches Harbor National Seashore
Wetland Ecology
Trained as an aquatic ecologist, I tend to keep my feetwet when conducting research. Wetlands are particularly interesting to me because wetland plant communities tend to be saturated with individuals and highly productive; yet, they can be species poor when compared to, for example, grasslands, tropical forests or coral reefs. I have worked mostly with submersed aquatic macrophytes communities and tidal freshwater marsh communities dominated by emergent plants. I am also fascinated with and have started research on Sphagnum -dominated communities.
Riparian Buffers
Riparian buffers may be important to decrease input of pollutants into streams and to provide important habitat for fish and wildlife. I am particularly interested in understanding how buffer diversity, age, and width interact in affecting riparian buffer functioning. Vascular plant inventory datasets are currently used to explore initial patterns.