Lynn Wihbey
Lynn Wihbey Sweet
PhD Candidate
Email: lwihb001@ucr.edu
UCR Major Professor: Dr. Jodie Holt
EDUCATION
B.S. Biology, Dickinson College, 2001
Plant Biology PhD program, UC Riverside, 2006-
RESEARCH INTERESTS
I am interested in investigations of the spread of invasive plants using predictive modeling and further, how the structure or physiognomy of the community might affect this spread. Currently my research involves using environmental data to predict the spread of Pennisetum setaceum (fountain grass) in California. Additionally, biotic interactions limiting to Pennisetum in potentially suitable habitat will be investigated. I am particularly interested in the potential of Pennisetum to invade coastal sage scrub and desert communities. This research aims to improve our ability to predict which plants become invaders, where they might spread, and which factors most affect spread.
AWARDS and GRANTS
2008 Shipley Skinner/Riverside County Endowment Grant
2008 NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program, Honorable Mention
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Ecological Society of America (2008-)
California Invasive Plant Council (2007-)
Student Chapter (Secretary 2008-)
UCR Botany Graduate Student Association (Co-chair 2007-2008)