Dr. Aaron David is the Program Director of Plant Ecology at Archbold Biological Station. He completed is B.A. at Washington University in St Louis, and his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota. He has been working in Florida ecosystems since 2016, including postdoctoral positions at the University of Miami and the USDA-ARS Invasive Plant Research Laboratory prior to starting his position at Archbold in 2021. His research interests include plant population ecology, plant-microbe interactions, and biological control of invasive plants.

Aaron S. David, Ph.D.

Director of Plant Ecology, Assistant Research Biologist

Sterling joined the Plant Ecology Program in 2021, specializing in Florida Ziziphus, Perforate Reindeer Lichen, and Highlands Goldenaster, as well as community vegetation and rare plant surveys on the Lake Wales Ridge. Enthusiast of all things botany, life history strategy, Fabaceae, seed biology, prescribed burning, and his golden retriever. PhD, Saint Louis University; BS, Milligan University.

Sterling Herron, Ph.D.

Research Assistant V

Hannah completed her MSc at the Institute of Ecology in Veracruz, Mexico and joined the Plant Ecology program in 2022. She manages several long-term rare and endangered plant demography projects as well as a rosemary bald restoration project. Her research interests include rare plant introductions and the physiological mechanisms and adaptations of plants to harsh environments.

Hannah James Bowen, M.S.

Research Assistant IV

 (1976 – 2023) 
Bucknell University, Department of Biology

Warren G. Abrahamson, Ph.D.

 Research Associate

(2015 – 2024) (Research Affiliate 2005 – 2014)
University of Central Florida, Department of Biology

Pedro Quintana-Ascencio, Ph.D.

Michelle Afkhami, Ph.D.

Research Affiliate

(2011 – 2024)
Syracuse University, Department of Biology 

David Althoff, Ph.D.

(2015 – 2024) 
Winthrop University, Department of Biology

Jennifer Schafer, Ph.D.

 Research Affiliate

Christopher Searcy, Ph.D.

(2011 – 2024)
Syracuse University, Department of Biology

Kari Segraves, Ph.D.

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Intern Iris Kennedy working a prescribed burn of the Florida scrub. Photo Credit: Iris Kennedy

Demographic monitoring, Fire ecology, Translocations, Population modeling, Drone imaging; collections, Invasive species, Biological control

Primary Research Areas

Archbold Biological Station, Lake Wales Ridge

Primary Location(s)

Program Information

 We study the diverse flora and fungi of the Florida scrub, particularly the endangered species endemic to the Lake Wales Ridge. Our research combines ecological theory, organismal biology, and conservation to address (1) the drivers underlying population and community dynamics, (2) how conservation efforts can best support saving rare species, and (3) the unique biodiversity in the region. 

Plant Ecology

Program Information

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Archbold Biological Station

Plant Species List

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