As a formally trained computer scientist with a plant biology research background, I develop AI-integrated approaches for monitoring ecosystems at scale with the help of foundation models — AI models that make sense of large-scale but noisy data with limited guidance. With these foundation models, I aim to uncover the effects of rapid environmental change on species and improve ecological forecasting of the natural world. To do so, I leverage diverse and widely available data sources including remote sensing and citizen + community science to ultimately create models of biodiversity that are accurate and useful for conservation decision-makers around the world.
GAIEA Lab 🌱
Welcome to the GAIEA Lab, G eospatial AI for E cosystems in the A nthropocene. We develop AI approaches for monitoring ecosystems that are ecologically grounded, globally relevant, and reliable for real-world decision-making. We do so by building methods that integrate diverse data sources to understand, predict, and support decisions in rapidly changing ecosystems. As a mentor, I strive to build a supportive, safe, and inclusive environment for my students so they have the community and the resources they need to grow into curious, independent, and interdisciplinary researchers. I am fortunate to have a wonderful group of researchers working with me towards this mission!
Prospective members
PhD students : The 2026-2027 PhD recruitment cycle is underway. If you are interested in joining my lab as a PhD student, please fill out this interest form and I will be in touch later this fall about next steps. U-M SEAS offers a PhD in Sustainability through the Rackham Graduate School; the application deadline is December 1st . Rackham also has great support for interdisciplinary studies and offers a dual-degree PhD program , enabling SEAS PhD students to get a PhD in both Sustainability and another department if desired.