Julie Beckstead

Ph.D.

Professor, Biology

My research focuses on plant invasion biology from a community ecology perspective, including testing the Natural Enemies Hypothesis of invasion biology, spillover effects of a seed pathogen, and tools to facilitate restoration ecology. I have worked in the tropics, Midwestern forests, coastal beach communities and semi-arid shrub-steppe and grassland communities. My current goal is to explore whether naturally-occurring fungal enemies are a potential tool to control the invasive cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). I am investigating whether a naturally occurring seed pathogen, Pyrenophora semeniperda, can control cheatgrass. In addition, I am exploring other fungal pathogens responsible for natural stand failure (die-offs) on cheatgrass infested lands. Invasive species are an important threat to biodiversity, our economy, and at time even our health. I aim to help society and biologists to better understand some of our foremost invasive species. For more information on my prior biological control research see http://www.cheatgrassbiocontrol.org/.

Students interested in research, please see:

Students interested in landscaping with native plants, please see:

http://wnps.org/northeast-washington

Students interested in teaching Life Science K-12, please see myself or Dr. Andrade for more information about this career choice.