The Conservation Ecology and Biogeography Lab investigates the drivers of diversity and distributions of plants across various spatial scales and in several ecoregions. We use integrate geospatial, ecological, bioclimatic, genomic, biocultural, and phylogenetic datasets and tools such as species distribution modeling, multivariate statistics, spatial phylogenetics, and comparative phylogenetic methods to answer research questions related to the diversification, diversity, and distribution of plants. We currently have research in Nigeria, Cameroon, Rwanda, the Mediterranean Basin, and Western North America.
Below are the lab members:
Michael D. France
Currently working in Africa for the Zambian Carnivore Programme, Michael has a keen interest in the practical applications of conservation efforts, especially projects that focus on how threatened and endangered species can fit into our increasingly modernized, fragmented world. Michael has earned a BS in Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management from Montana State University and intends to pursue a graduate degree to further his studies. Over the last few years, Michael has enjoyed being involved in a variety of projects, including taking part in a long-term plant herbivory survey on the Beartooth Plateau in Montana, running regression models for Dr. Borokini’s work on Ivesia webberi in America’s Great Basin, and conducting field work and data processing for the Zambian Carnivore Programme in South Luangwa National Park. Michael was a member of the lab in fall 2023.
Delphine Mpayimana
Delphine is currently completing her master’s degree in Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resources Management at the University of Rwanda. My research thesis focuses on Species Distribution Modeling of medicinal and culturally significant plants in Rwanda. She is deeply interested in medicinal plants, forest ecosystems (including understory plants), community conservation, and landscape restoration. Her goal is to promote the occurrence of medicinal plants outside protected areas to ensure they are accessible to people who primarily depend on them for their health and well-being, and to provide valuable opportunities for future research on their uses and conservation. Delphine's thesis is co-advised by Prof. Beth Kaplin and Dr. Israel Borokini
Carlisle Segal
Carlisle Segal joined the lab in fall of 2024. She brings an interest in conservation, plant ecology, and multi-taxa interactions, as well as biodiversity and how it contributes to ecological processes, formed from years of field work and wilderness travel in mountains, grasslands, northern forests and spruce bogs, deserts, rivers, and cloud forest. She completed her MS at MSU with Andrea Litt testing community ecology hypotheses around arthropods, plants, and bison in grasslands of Yellowstone National Park. In the Borokini lab she is excited to continue building her scientific skills and knowledge focusing on community ecology, biodiversity, niche differentiation, and conservation through examining alpine plant communities. She is also deeply invested in effective science communication and finding ways to support a diversity of people working in this field. When not working, Carlisle can most often be found doing some drive-by botanizing on trail runs (while also hoping for her first wolverine sighting), hiking, backpacking, skiing, or paddling through beautiful backcountry places, as well as gardening, drawing/painting, and reading.
Alyssa Walters
Alyssa is an undergraduate studying Ecology and Conservation Biology, with a strong passion for conservation and biodiversity. Her research focuses on the ecological resilience of plant communities across the United States. Additionally, she is interested in exploring the factors that enable plant communities to shift their distributions in response to these pressures. Although her current work does not involve coastal or wetland ecosystems, Alyssa has a deep interest in these habitats due to their critical role in supporting biodiversity and providing essential services like water filtration and flood protection. In the future, she hopes to work with coastal and wetland ecosystems to better understand the impacts of climate change and other environmental stressors on their stability and function. Additionally, Alyssa aims to develop strategies for preserving these areas and the diversity they support, contributing valuable insights into the dynamic responses of plant communities to changing conditions.
Dr. Alfred O. Onefeli
Dr. Alfred Onefeli is a Lecturer in the Department of Forest Production and Products at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He earned his Ph.D. in Forest Resources Management from the University of Ibadan. With over 8 years of research and teaching experience, his work spans various ecosystems including rainforests and savannas in Nigeria. He has published extensively in peer reviewed journals/proceedings and led numerous field-based research projects. His research interests include plant taxonomy, forest ecology, silviculture, agroforestry, and molecular biology. He has been engaged in international research collaborations, including the Erasmus program at Vytautas Magnus University, Lithuania. He has been recognized with several awards, such as an Erasmus+ grant for studying taxonomy of Nigerian Terminalia species. Dr Onefeli is passionate about mentoring young taxonomists and ecologists and has supervised over 20 graduate students. His work is driven by a commitment to advancing forest science and promoting sustainable forestry practices. Alfred is a member of the lab and field team lead investigating the eco-evolutionary drivers of floristic assemblages in Southeastern Nigeria.
Jesutobi T. Olorunmola
Jesutobi Tomiwa OLORUNMOLA is a Bachelor degree holder in Forest Production and Products at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Her thesis focused on the Phylogenetic Assessment of Selected Tree Species in the Family Bignoniaceae in Ibadan, Nigeria. Her research interests include plant taxonomy, plant genomics, forest ecology, and molecular biology. Olorunmola Jesutobi has bagged certificates in Yale Forest Forum, Certified Connecticut Forest Practitioners Continuing Education. She has also volunteered with the “Urbantree Revival Initiative” to grow fruit trees in public secondary schools in Oyo State, Nigeria. She particularly interested in intensifying research on the taxonomic differentiation of tropical tree species using morphological and molecular characteristics. Jesutobi is a member of the field crew studying the eco-evolutionary drivers of floristic assemblages in Southeastern Nigeria.
Odunayo A. Ojebode
Odunayo is research intent. He holds MSc degree in Forest Biometrics and Information System from the Department of Social and Environmental Forestry, University of Ibadan in 2021, with special attention to the application of GIS and remote sensing to the management of forest resources. The research focused on the use of remote sensing and GIS to examine the deforestation pattern of four forest reserves in southwest, Nigeria. His research interests include forest inventory and biometrics, GIS and remote sensing, plant taxonomy, deforestation and conservation of forest resources through intentional reforestation effort. He has been involved in field assistance for different research works for the past 10 years both within and outside Ibadan. His interest in research is driven by the commitment to promote forest science as a means of ensuring a balanced environment where biodiversity is sustained. Odunayo is a member of the field team investigating the eco-evolutionary drivers of floristic assemblages in Southeastern Nigeria.
