I specialize in forest community ecology and in conservation ecology of relict, endangered and rare plant species. I have a long-standing interest in forest dynamics, interaction among plant species, and their environment. My research concentrates particularly on the mechanisms underlying the structure, dynamics and the sustainable development of forests in southwestern and south-central China. My specialization has given me particular ability to understand forest vegetation, biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental sustainability in this geographical zone. I am the author of the book The Subtropical Vegetation of Southwestern China: Plant Distribution, Diversity and Ecology. I also focus on macroecology of plant diversity and vegetation in light of climate change.

In the fields of ecology, interdisciplinary learning and personal experience are key components to my teaching. I have taught in the classroom and in the field in order to fully convey the messages of forest ecology. I have taught in laboratories and in field-based plant ecology courses, emphasizing experiential learning in both. I have adapted to different field and classroom situations with attention to feedback from my students, to provide the most positive learning environment and inspire them to feel passionate about research on ecology and conservation.

My research projects have based on the premise that rapid and unsustainable land development is incompatible with a condition of biological diversity that has been among the world’s highest. Essential to forest preservation is an understanding of how natural succession operates to maintain a healthy plant community. Such communities, once lost, cannot be recovered. Our role in such cases has been one of facilitation and education. In a larger sense, I hope our research results will influence decisions affecting development, and will ultimately benefit the global environment.