David Hooper, Ph.D.
Departmental Information
(1998) Associate Professor
Phone: 360-650-3649
Office: BI 307
Email: hooper@biol.wwu.edu
Education
Ph.D. Stanford University
Curriculum Vitae
Teaching Interests
Plant Ecology, Ecosystem Ecology
Research Interests
Effects of plant diversity and functional characteristics on ecosystem processes, nitrogen cycling, carbon cycling
My research interests follow two related themes: 1) biotic and abiotic controls on biogeochemical cycles; and 2) effects of community composition on ecosystem processes. I have worked in a variety of ecosystems, most notably California grasslands and Arctic tundra. My greatest strength lies in experimental ecosystem ecology involving measurements of carbon and nitrogen dynamics. However, my interests span several levels of organization, from soil microbial ecology to global element fluxes
About Me
In addition to research, teaching is a strong component of my efforts, including courses on biodiversity, ecology, ecosystems and global change, and ecological services. Training students to think critically using the scientific method will help give them the tools to address the environmental issues of the coming decades