Current research

My current research focuses on the ecophysiological traits underlying invasion mechanisms in Centaurea stoebe. Previous studies showed a distinct niche shift of C.stoebe towards drier and warmer conditions in North America. My thesis will include both grennhouse and field experiments.

Curriculum vitae

Ph.D. (2009)	University of Vermont , Burlington , VT Dissertation: Small scale differences in genotypic diversity and environmental context influence plant performance
M.Sc. (2005)	University of Florida , Gainesville , FL Thesis: Implications of plant diversity and soil chemical properties for cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) invasion in Northwest FL
B.Sc. (2003)	Simon Fraser University , British Columbia , Canada Specialization in Ecology

Publications

Mueller-Schaerer, H. and Collins, A.R. 2011. Principles of integrated pest management with emphasis on weeds. Encyclopedia of Pest Management (accepted).

Collins, A.R. and Molofsky, J. 2011. From species coexistence to genotype coexistence: What can we learn from invasive plants. In: S. Jose (ed.), Invasive Plant Ecology. CRC Press (in press).

Eppinga, M.B., M.A. Kaproth, A.R. Collins, J. Molofsky. 2010. Litter feedbacks, evolutionary change and exotic plant invasions. Journal of Ecology 99: 503-514.

Collins, A.R., E.M. Hart, J. Molofsky. 2010. Quantifying the extent of frequency dependence: An experimental test using genotypes of an invasive grass. Oecologia 164: 959-969.

Collins, A.R. and Jose, S. 2009. Imperata cylindrica, an Exotic Invasive Grass, Changes Soil Chemical Properties of Forest Ecosystems in the Southeastern United States . In: R.K. Kohli, S. Jose, H.P. Singh, D.R. Batish (eds.), Invasive Plants and Forest Ecosystems. CRC Press, pp. 237-245.

Daneshgar P., Jose S., Collins A.R., Ramsey, C.L. 2008. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), an alien invasive grass, reduces survival and productivity of an establishing pine forest. Forest Science 54: 579-587.

Collins, A.R., Jose, S., Daneshgar, P. and Ramsey, C. 2007. Elton’s hypothesis revisited: an experimental test using cogongrass. Biological Invasions 9: 433-443.

Neill, C., Von Holle, B., Kleese, K., Ivy, K.D., Collins, A.R., Treat, C., Dean, M. 2007. Historical influences on the vegetation and soils of the Martha’s Vineyard , Massachusetts Coastal Sandplain: Implications for conservation and restoration. Biological Conservation 136: 17-32.

Daneshgar, P., S. Jose, C. Ramsey, A.R. Collins. Loblolly pine seedling response to competition from exotic vs. native plants. Proceedings of the 13th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS –92. Asheville , NC : U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. pp. 640.

Jose, S., Collins, A., Daneshgar, P. and Ramsey C. 2005. Impacts of the exotic invasive Imperata cylindrica on diversity and productivity of the southeastern U.S. ecosystems. The International Forestry Review 7:260.