People
Michael Allen
Chair, Center for Conservation Biology
Mailing Address:
Plant Pathology and MicrobiologyUniversity Lab Bldg /209
University of California
Riverside, CA 92521
Phone: (951) 827-5494
Fax: (951) 827-4625
Email: mallen@ucr.edu
Website
Degree(s):
PhD 1980 University of WyomingMS 1977 University of Wyoming
BS 1974 Southwestern College, KS
College/Division Affiliation:
College of Natural and Agricultural SciencesCenter/Inst Affiliation(s):
Center for Conservation BiologyAreas Of Expertise:
Biology and Ecology of Microbial-plant-soil InteractionsAwards / Honors:
1999 Chevron Conservation Award
1979 Mycological Society of American Graduate Fellowship
1974 Who's Who in American College and Universities
Research Summary:
My research is concentrated on understanding the effects of human activities on ecosystem biodiversity and functioning. As the human population expands, population centers emerge and shift, and resources are extracted and utilized. I have focused on three areas. First, I have undertaken efforts to describe the impacts of human activities on wildlands, from land disturbance, transportation, and agriculture to the changing global environment. Specifically, I have worked on documenting the spatial and temporal effects of perturbations on soil organisms and soil resources. In this context, I have focused on direct disturbance (such as mining, harvesting), elevated CO2, climate, and pollution. Second, I have worked to document how natural succession proceeds to learn lessons that can be applied in ecosystem restoration. This has entailed research on Mount St. Helens, Alaskan Glaciers, mines, roadways, and tropical forest management. We focused on utilizing spatial structure to enhance recovery of soil organisms, and, incorporating these organisms to stabilize natural fertility and soil structure. Specifically, we can use spatial variability and plant architecture to harvest wind-blown microbes, or create conditions on which animals will key in to enhance natural immigration and establishment of beneficial microorganisms. Finally, I have begun working on developing ways to bring ecological science into the decision-making process. I have worked on interagency efforts to incorporate ecosystem management approaches into environmental decisions at the federal level. More recently, I have worked with the County of Riverside and southern California regional agencies on multiple species habitat conservation (MSHCP) planning efforts.