
Department of Botany and Plant Sciences
University of California Riverside
Meet The Team

Principal Investigator
Loralee Larios
As an ecologist, my research focuses on the classic quest to understand the mechanisms that contribute to the diversity we observe. My interest in these dynamics is driven by how we can use this information to inform successful management and restoration practices.

PhD Candidate
Ariana Firebaugh Ornelas
Species coexistence, plant functional traits, restoration

PhD Candidate
Sam Louden
One of the basic principles of my upbringing was to always leave a place better than I found it. This key idea has evolved into a passionate interest in restoration and community ecology – specifically, how an understanding of the mechanisms that influence community assembly and function can be translated into predictive restoration efforts and effective management practices.

PhD Candidate
BryAnna Wertz
I have always had a love for the environment. It is this love that has fueled my passion and interest in ecology, species interactions, and restoration. I aim to use my interest to work effectively with land managers to come up with adaptive management strategies that address our ever changing environments.

Graduate Student
Samantha Meyering
Plant Invasions, Invader soil legacies, Restoring soil fungal communities, conservation

Masters Student
Dirk Plunkett
Restoration, Ecology, and Teaching

Field Technician
Leo Picasso
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Field Technicians
Daniel Dakduk & Perla Ochoa
Weir Canyon Explorers
Lab Alumni

Stephanie Tyler

Dr. Clarissa Rodriguez
UC San Diego

Cyrena Le (2022 Alum)

Junyong Li (PostDoc Henan University)

Sophia Wu and Karen Flores

2018 Field Crew:Soren Weber, Renee Stewart, Miguel Solis

Krista Dugan, Ms (2024)

Dr. Stuart Schwab
UC San Diego

Melanie Burlaza (Scientist, CDFW)

Sunny Saroa (Caltrans)

Erika Hernandez

Dr. Meg Kargul
Great Basin Institute

Dr. Noah Teller
East Bay Regional Park District

Lachlan Charles (Data Analyst, TERN)

USFS Field Summer Crew:
Michelle Ortiz, Jessica Du, Zac Flores
