• J. Extine (L. DeWald, advisor) is evaluating the ability of golf courses to provide connectivity across the increasingly fragmented western NC landscape
• S. Grant (L. DeWald, advisor) is evaluating changes in red oak (Quercus rubra) population genetic diversity associated with different management regimes and following the loss of chestnut (Castanea dentata)
• Andrew Harley (G. Adkison, advisor) is examining the ecological significance of shoot plasticity in a study of the distribution limits of Appalachian violet, a species of concern in USFS region 8.
• J. Jaynes (B. Collins, advisor) is studying phytoremediation of an arsenic contaminated stream using native ferns.
• M. Lanning (K. Mathews, advisor) is studying the taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships of six southern Appalachian saxifrages (Micranthes).
• C. Lett (L. DeWald, advisor) is examining the effects of mycorrhizal fungi on the exotic invasive plant oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) to better understand the mechanisms that might allow for its rapid spread in a non-native environment
• Christina Manee (G. Adkison, advisor) is using Microstegium as a model system to study the spread of non-native invasive plants from roadsides.
• Undergraduate and graduate students, including E. York (S. O’Connell, advisor) are exploring bacterial and archaeal diversity in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including microbial diversity in the hemlock rhizosphere

Outreach and Service

K-12 Activities

• The Foraging Game (PDF) —a classroom activity to learn about predator-prey interactions.  Prepared by B. Collins in collaboration with Michelle Bell, 5th grade science, Cartoogechaye Elementary School.

Service

• Biodiversity and Ecological Evaluations—SABEC faculty and students can help landowners assess and manage property
• Presentations and Seminars—SABEC faculty and students will talk to your group or organization about SABEC and issues related to biodiversity and ecology of the Southern Appalachians

Highlights—Recent and Upcoming Activities

• Spring 2007—Two SABEC faculty participated in the NC Public School Math and Science Program
• Summer 2007— G. Adkison offered a workshop through the Center for Mathematics and Science Education to support high school teachers from western NC.  The workshop aims were to link 1) concepts in genetics and evolution and 2) energy flow from the ecosystem level down to the cellular/molecular level.