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Andrea S. Thorpe, Ph.D.
Conservation Research Program Director, Institute for Applied Ecology
Assistant Professor (Courtesy), Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University
(541) 753-3099 ext. 401
Research Interests
My research interests include the biology and ecology of both invasive and rare plants, plant community dynamics, and plant-soil interactions (see figure below). These studies are united by a desire to improve understanding of ecosystem structure and function and use this information to guide restoration and conservation of native species and habitats.
A few of my current research projects are highlighted on the Conservation Research Project Highlights page.
Background
I received my PhD in Organismal Biology and Ecology from the University of Montana (2006), comparing the biochemical effects of the invasive forb, Centaurea maculosa (spotted knapweed) on soil nutrient cycling and plant communities in Centaurea’s native and invaded ranges. My MS (2001) research at San Diego State University looked at the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation on the fitness and genetic diversity of a rare salt marsh daisy, Lasthenia glabrata ssp. coulteri. As an undergraduate in Natural Resources at Oregon State University (1998), I conducted research on the effects of cattle grazing on soil properties in riparian meadows in northeast Oregon. I have also worked for the Coast Range Association, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and as a science educator at the elementary level through upper-division college courses.
Prospective graduate students:
I currently advise graduate students in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University. If you are interested in working with me, please this pdf, 'For Prospective Graduate Students'.
“All that is born, all that is created,
all the elements of nature
are interwoven and united with each other.
All that is composed shall be decomposed:
everything returns to its roots:
matter returns to the origins of matter.”Gospel of Mary (translation by Jean-Yves Leloup),
~second century C.E.
Publications
Thorpe, A.S., E.T. Aschehoug, D.Z. Atwater, and R.M. Callaway. 2011. Plant interactions and evolution. Journal of Ecology 9:729-740. 'Recommended' article by Faculty of 1000 (reviewers J. Petermann and B. Schmid).
Pollock, J.L., L.A. Kogan, A.S. Thorpe, and W.E. Holben. 2011. Catechin, a root exudate of the invasive Centaurea stoebe Lam. (spotted knapweed) exhibits bacteriostatic activity against multiple soil bacterial populations. Journal of Chemical Ecology DOI 10.1007/s10886-011-0005-6.
Thorpe, A.S. and R.M. Callaway. 2011. Biogeographic differences in the effects of Centaurea stoebe and catechin on the soil nitrogen cycle. Biological Invasions 13:1435-1445.
Thorpe, A.S. and A.G. Stanley. 2011. Determining appropriate goals for restoration of imperiled communities and species. Journal of Applied Ecology 48:275-279.
