Research Ecologist
Natalie M. West
Research Ecologist
natalie.west@usda.gov
www.ars.usda.gov/pa/nparl/nwest
Phone: 406.433.9440
Fax: 406.433.5038
• Education • Current Research • Research Experience • Publications •
Additional Pages: Research Projects,*Publications *
*Taken from the Agricultural Research Information System (ARIS) database.
| Ph.D. | Biological Sciences (Ecology) | University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE |
| M.S. | Plant Biology | Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL |
| B.A. | Biology | Wartburg College, Waverly, IA |
I use a combination of empirical and theoretical approaches to address questions within applied weed ecology and classical biological control of weeds. My research focuses on interactions in population and community dynamics, with the goal of increasing the efficacy of weed management and improving health and sustainability of wild and rangeland systems. Current projects include:
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evaluating demographic impacts of herbivores and habitat interactions to optimize effective biocontrol of whitetop/hoary cress (Lepidium draba L.) and Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.);
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quantifying the long term outcomes of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) biological control in the northern Great Plains;
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improving revegetation and weed management after energy development.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Prior to joining the Sidney lab, I was a postdoctoral ecologist with USDA-ARS in Urbana, IL, researching invasion risks and management of perennial crops introduced for biomass production. My graduate work examined plant-insect interactions in native thistles (Cirsium sp.) and the ecology of exotic species in forest-opening communities.
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An up to date publication list is available on my Google Scholar profile page. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=i42YVL0AAAAJ&hl=en
You can also check the ARIS "Publications" page for possible new titles that are accepted or in press.
