Timon Keller is a Integrative Biology PHD student in the Turner lab. His research areas are Landscape Ecology and Ecosystem Ecology. Check out his spotlight post for more information about his research, hobbies and experiences at UW-Madison.
1. Explain your research so that your grandparent or a 5-year old would understand it?
I study fire in forests of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Similar to how it rains more often in rainforests than in deserts, some places have fires more often than others. How much fire a certain place gets depends largely on the climate. The forests I study have cool and wet climate, so fires cannot burn often. Trees grow close together, and when fires do happen (in very dry and hot summers every 100-300 years) most trees are killed. Although this sounds devastating, the trees are actually well-adapted to that type of fire. The first part of my research looks at how those adaptations work. I study how quickly a forest gets back one of the materials that went up in smoke when the trees burned – nitrogen, an important building block for all life. I also study how rugged terrain (or places that are steep and hilly) could help forests regrow after a fire; in rugged terrain, the wind may be able to blow seeds further into burnt areas. The second part of my research looks at how we can use these adaptations to help forests as the climate changes. If it gets hotter and drier, the forests I study may burn too often and have a hard time regrowing after fire. I use a computer model to see if protecting just a small part of a forest from fire can help the rest of the forest regrow faster because more seeds are available. I also use art to show people what landscapes of Greater Yellowstone may look like at the end of the century, if the climate continues to change.
2. What inspired you to pursue that research?
I have always been fascinated by the intersection of nature and people. The effects of fire on ecosystems are just as diverse as human relationships with fire. I really got into fire when I was working for a ranch in Colorado and helped develop a management plan for forests and fire. This plan needed to benefit the ecosystem and also meet the needs of the many stakeholders connected to the ranch. I was fascinated by the connections that emerged during this process, and this made me want to study the ecology of fire.
3. What are your hobbies or interests outside of school?
I like to spend time outside, mostly riding my bike or hiking. I also enjoy photography and usually carry a camera with me. Lastly, I like to build or fix things, so I spend lots of time tinkering with bicycles or building furniture. Recently, I have gotten into sewing!
4. What are your favorite places/things to do in Madison? The many bike paths throughout the city are amazing, and the diversity of ecosystems and parks is also great. I like how many great artists play concerts in Madison, which surprised me since it is a relatively small city. And the thrifting in Madison is excellent.
5. What is a pleasant surprise you’ve encountered while being a graduate student here?
Everyone here is kind and friendly, and I really value that part of our community. Reflecting specifically on being a graduate student, it is incredible how much you can learn and grow over just a few years!